Natural Resilience – Valuable Knowledge for Real Crises and Emergencies
When was the last time you gathered edible plants?
Never?
A long time ago?
No interest?
Not part of your diet ...
Please don't wait until you suddenly need to fall back on this knowledge, which may also be necessary for survival in crisis or emergency situations and there is no digital network available to ask “Google” what is edible and what is not ...
Even today, you can discover the diversity of our wonderful nature in a truly special way, from wild, fragrant herbs to nutrient-rich seeds.
Recognizing edible plants is not only an excellent exercise in preparation for potential crises and emergencies, but it also adds variety to your everyday life and promotes a more conscious way of living in harmony with our environment.
Believe me, every plant we recognize makes us more independent, resilient and enhances our abilities to care for ourselves and our loved ones even in difficult times.
The knowledge of our edible plants is far more than just an individual survival tool. It can become a true source of collective strength, helping us navigate crises and emergencies effectively. Sharing knowledge and resources has the power to save entire communities.
Here’s just a small selection, as you should also get actively involved and find out what could end up on your "plate" in case of emergency ...
1. Field Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense): The young leaves and shoot tips are edible. Remember the harvest period is from March to May. But the flowers and roots of Field Pennycress are also edible. Why not try adding the leaves to your next salad and see how they enhance the flavor?
2. You surely know cress from the supermarket – but you can also find true watercress in nature, and you should be able to recognize it easily. The leaves and shoot tips are edible. Walk carefully along streams and ponds, and you’re bound to discover it. It’s also very healthy, rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
3. Our daisy. Young and old know it ... its fresh leaves and flowers are edible. This little beauty decorates our gardens, meadows, pastures and, of course, you can find it in our parks.
4. Kleinen Wiesenknopf (Sanguisorba minor). We often pass it by without a second thought along the edges of paths – the small burnet. But wait, what may seem like a mere weed to us can, in fact, be edible in case of need. You can eat its leaves as well as its flowers – their taste will remind you of cucumber. You won’t just find it along our paths but also in our meadows.
5. Frenchweed, also known as Galinsoga or Gallant Soldier (Galinsoga parviflora), is commonly found in gardens, along roadsides or in fields. The best time to harvest it is between April and September. This humble herb is packed with nutrients, including iron, vitamin C, vitamin A and calcium. It’s incredibly versatile, as you can eat its flowers, leaves and buds..
6. The wonderful dandelion (blowball), which never fails to bring a smile to our faces and inspire dreams, also has much to offer. You can harvest its young leaves from March to April and its roots starting in September. Don’t forget that its flowers are edible as well – if you don’t enjoy them raw, you can gently sauté them.
7. When you next walk past meadows or grazing land, then look for the small white clover. You will find it preferably in nutrient-rich and slightly calcareous locations and its flowers and young leaves are edible. He will provide you with protein, a high-quality plant-based protein source and he contains essential amino acids. In addition, he is cholesterol-free and often easier to digest than animal protein.
8. Did you know that you can also add common mallow to your diet? It has a mild flavor, and its leaves are best enjoyed before it starts blooming. But the flowers can also be used not only as beautiful decoration but also eaten. With valuable nutrients like protein and iron, it will strengthen you.
9. Wild strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry ...
You will undoubtedly discover many more edible plants yourself.
Enjoy recognizing, searching, discovering and savoring them!
