The Neighborhood Forager: A Guide for the Wild Food Gourmet [Paperback]

Robert K. Handerson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2000

Mention the word "foraging" and many people think of tramping through soggy swamps or trackless wilderness, battling mosquitoes and briars to reap a tiny harvest of nuts or berries. Yet foraging for wild edibles doesn`t have to be difficult, or require expeditionary gear. Even most of what we now call suburbia was only recently considered to be "the country," and many houses built in the past thirty years are found on land that used to be fertile farmsteads. Like a contemporary Euell Gibbons, Robert Henderson reveals an extraordinary bounty that we pass every day. From vacant lots in cities and tree-lined developments in the `burbs to wooded glens, any neighbourhood will have its share of plants whose roots, shoots, leaves and fruits have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples and European settlers, and that are just as wonderful today. Organized into chapters based on plant type (evergreens, broadleaf trees, common flowers, peripherals and plants with edible greens and roots), The Neighborhood Forager introduces the aspiring wild-gatherer to more than 60 genera of plants, comprising hundreds of wide-spread species. Replete with history and folklore, the book offers a wide range of practical and entertaining information. Imagine making "lemonade" from sumac berries (try it and you`ll never go back to instant), spreading homemade rowanberry preserves on scones or roasted meats, or drinking willow bark tea as a pain reliever (it has the same effect as aspirin). The seasonal pleasure of eating fresh spring greens or making knotweed pie (call it "Japanese rhubarb" and your friends will be beguiled) adds zest and excitement to otherwise jaded palates.

Product Details

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: Key Porter Books (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552633063
• ISBN-13: 978-1552633069
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,565,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars nice format with lots of misinformation, January 22, 2007

By 

Sam Thayer - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Neighborhood Forager: A Guide for the Wild Food Gourmet (Paperback)

I have owned this book for several years and read it cover to cover, most parts more than once. It is a good read and I like the way it is set up, and the author's enthusiasm is appreciated. There is much good information inside, but unfortunately, there is misinformation to a degree that I think is inexcusable. For example, the drawings of "evening primrose" actually show primrose, which is a totally different plant in an entirely different family. But the text clearly describes eating the root of evening primrose. So it seems like he didn't even know what evening primrose was, had never tried it, but copied his information on how to use it, even the description of its flavor, from another book. The text sure makes it sound like he's had experience from the plant. I think its disingenuous and a disservice to the reader. This is the most glaring example of many errors. Otherwise, it is a good book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique, practical guide for the wild food gourmet!, August 5, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Neighborhood Forager: Finding and Preparing Delicious Wild Foods Anywhere (Paperback)

In The Neighborhood Forager: A Guide For The Wild Food Gourmet, Robert Henderson demonstrates that foraging for wild edibles is not difficult, nor does it require special equipment or traveling to some distant swamp or forest. Indeed, there is a bounty of harvestable foodstuffs to be found in the suburbs or the city. Profusely illustrated throughout, The Neighborhood Forager is organized into chapters based on plant type and is a complete "how to" introduction for the novice wild edibles gatherer covering hundreds of widespread, delicious, nutritious species of plants within easy reach of everyone. Henderson provides complete harvesting and drying tips; dyers notes for making natural dyes from plants); foraging advisors (identifying poisonous plans and "look-alikes"); more than 30 creative recipes; details on preserving and cooking; traditional and medicinal uses (with instructions for making herbal teas and other tonics), and more. From Mediterranean Turkey with Conifer Tips, Spruce Beer, and Marigold Vinegar, to Elderflower Champagne, Wild Greens Rockefeller, and Walnut Pickles, The Neighborhood Forager is a unique and practical guide for the wild food gourmet.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Know What to Do With That Weed? Eat It!, October 10, 2000

By 

James L. Minton (Olympia, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Neighborhood Forager: Finding and Preparing Delicious Wild Foods Anywhere (Paperback)

The Neighborhood Forager is a very informative and enjoyable book. It not only tells about the plants in our backyards and by-ways but gives historical information, recipes, warnings and dyer's tips.

Mr. Henderson writes with humor and personal anecdotes which makes the book a good read even if you're not into foraging.