The Best Foraging Books for California & the Southwest

Photo credit: Cameron Mayer, M.A.

Disclaimer

Before embarking on your foraging adventures, it’s crucial to consult with a local foraging expert and exercise caution. The information in these books is a valuable starting point, but individual reactions to foraged plants may vary, or worse yet, might identify a plant incorrectly. Always begin with small quantities to assess any potential adverse reactions. If you’re not 100% confident, then do not consume it!

Introduction

Foraging has become a rewarding and enlightening journey for me, one that has led me to discover the astonishing diversity of wild plants and their myriad uses. As someone who embarked on this journey about in 2022, I’m always thrilled to stumble upon a new book that can change the way I perceive the landscapes I explore, whether in national parks, local watersheds, or urban environments. On a birthday trip that took me through Santa Cruz, Portland, and the Los Angeles foothills, I’ve had the privilege of discovering three captivating books that have since become essential companions in my foraging journey: “Foraging California” by Christopher Nyerges, “Southwest Medicinal Plants” by John Slattery, and “Wildcrafted Vinegars: Making and Using Unique Acetic Acid Ferments for Quick Pickles, Hot Sauces, Soups, Salad Dressings, Pastes, Mustards, and More” by Pascual Bauder.

In this article, I’ll delve into these three books, offering what you might expect from any one of these awesome wild edible resources.

“Foraging California” has not only expanded my knowledge of California’s flora but also deepened my appreciation for the historical and cultural aspects of foraging. Nyerges’ emphasis on sustainability and ethical foraging is a message that strongly resonates with me. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge, making it an indispensable companion for any forager exploring California’s diverse landscapes. I often take my copy with me along hiking trips or whenever I’m in open spaces just to confirm what I read is correct. Of course, this book does not include all of the wild edibles one might encounter if you’re gathering wild edibles in California, nor does it mention specific harvesting techniques, but it is a fantastic start for anyone who wants to dive into Southern California foraging.

Collecting some wild currants in the Los Angeles foothills around June of 2023.

Book Highlights

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Nyerges’ book serves as an extensive guide to foraging in the diverse landscapes of California. It encompasses a wide range of edible and medicinal plants, fungi, and seaweeds, providing decent overall information on each species.
2. Practical Tips: What sets this book apart is its practicality. It offers clear instructions on plant identification, what region one might expect to find each plant, and similarity to any toxic species, along with seasonal information to plan foraging adventures throughout the year.
3. Recipes and Uses: The book provides recipes and practical uses for the foraged plants, offering you an opportunity to incorporate them into your daily life. What sets this book apart from other foraging books I’ve encountered are the pro-tips in the author’s “foraging notes” along with nutritional tables for most of the wild edibles discussed.

John Slattery, a seasoned forager and herbalist, shares his passion and expertise in “Southwest Medicinal Plants.” He specializes in the unique plant diversity of the American Southwest.

“Southwest Medicinal Plants” has broadened my horizons in the realm of foraging for health and wellness. Slattery’s expertise in herbalism and his love for the Southwest region are evident in every page. The book offers an enriching journey into the world of herbal remedies, enhancing the way you’ll perceive plants around you.

Book Highlights

1. Region-Specific Wisdom: Slattery’s book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the medicinal plants of the Southwest. However I find that this book can apply to other arid (dry) regions as well beyond the Southwest (elderberry comes to mind as it grows all over much of the U.S.). Regions from the Mojave Desert or chapparal ecosystems can be harsh environments, which is why it’s important to know what to expect is available throughout the season. Slattery’s book does a great job in distinguishing the different regional habitats (desert grasslands, cactus forests, high elevation conifer forests, oak woodlands, prairies, etc.) to providing when (season & habitat), and how (tools & methods) to harvest.
2. Plant Profiles & Medicinal Uses: The book offers in-depth profiles of 112 wild herbs, each accompanied by clear photographs for easy identification. Slattery shares his own experiences with these plants, giving readers an in-depth sense of the plants’ medicinal capabilities. Slattery does not skip the safety aspect of foraging and gives caution tips for most, if not all, of the plant he discusses. This is on top of the 2 or more preparations the book provides for each plant, making this book incredibly dense with useful and practical information. Herbal preparations include oil infusions, root tinctures, flower tinctures, root teas, and leaf teas.

Pascual Bauder, a seasoned forager and expert in acetic acid ferments, offers a unique perspective in “Wildcrafted Vinegars.” His expertise is not just theoretical; it’s rooted in hands-on experience.

Book Highlights

1. Acetic Acid Alchemy: “Wildcrafted Vinegars” is a revelation, exploring the art of making unique vinegars from wild plants. Bauder shares his knowledge on fermenting and transforming foraged ingredients into delightful vinegars.
2. Versatile Uses: The book doesn’t stop at vinegar-making; it delves into various culinary applications. From quick pickles and hot sauces to soups, salad dressings, pastes, and mustards, it unlocks the potential of these homemade vinegars in your kitchen.
3. Practical Guidance: Bauder provides clear and practical instructions for making vinegars and incorporates wild ingredients, allowing you to experiment and create unique flavors.

Now granted, this is not much of a foraging guide than it is more so a cookbook. The reason why I chose to include this in is because much of what foragers can spoil relatively quickly from fruits and berries like cactus fruit or currants to greens like wild radish pods. If you know how to preserve what you find for longer using vinegars created by the wild yeast found in the same environments then you’ve just unlocked the code to saving your food for weeks if not months on end. That’s powerful. And tasty.

Cracking and brining unripe green olives using Pascual’s methods.

After a foraging tour with Pascual Bauder in the Los Angeles foothills, I was inspired to explore the world of wildcrafted vinegars. His book “Wildcrafted Vinegars” has been an eye-opening experience on the diversity of vinegars our there, taking me on a journey I would have never expected myself to be in. The practical guidance and the versatility of wildcrafted vinegars in the kitchen have added a new layer to my foraging adventures.

Harvesting unripe olives to make cracked green olives and cactus fruit to make wine from, both of which need brining and fermentation respectively. They were collected not far from each other in the Sylmar area.

In conclusion, “Foraging California” by Christopher Nyerges, “Southwest Medicinal Plants” by John Slattery, and “Wildcrafted Vinegars” by Pascual Bauder are three exceptional resources for anyone interested in the world of foraging. These books, enriched by the authors’ extensive knowledge and passion for the subject, have elevated my foraging experiences, deepened my appreciation for the land, and broadened my understanding of the many uses of wild plants.

Remember, as you embark on your foraging adventures, it’s essential to consult with local experts, exercise caution, and start with small quantities to gauge your individual reactions. While these books are a fantastic starting point, your foraging journey is a personal one, shaped by your unique connection with the landscape and the plants that inhabit it. Happy foraging, and may your explorations be both rewarding and safe!