Foraging is the act of looking for wild, edible, and safe foods to gather, eat, or farm. This was usually done as a way of survival, as the way to gather food in ancient times consisted of hunting, fishing, farming, and, last but not least, foraging.

Although there are many reasons why people turn to foraging in this day and age, for some, it`s the basic act of survival. For a few more, it`s a hobby. And for the rest who look to foraging, it`s a way of eating healthier.

So, what does a forager look for?

Foragers look for mushrooms, a common fungus that finds itself in their crosshair. While some mushrooms are nutritious and safe to consume, others aren`t as safe and, they can even be poisonous. Therefore, to forage them, one must have an in-depth knowledge of mushrooms, both edible and poisonous

Greens; consisting of lettuce, beats, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, spinach, cabbage, and asparagus, are some of the foods considered when thinking of what a “green” is. These are completely edible, and while they can be found in the wild, some people have them growing in their gardens, while others have greens, unknowingly growing in their backyards. Unlike previous options for foods that can be foraged, greens have a great range of nutrients and vitamins that are, in essence, very healthy for our growth and well-being.

Berries and fruits are another source of food that finds itself in the forager’s path. As something many of us buy in store, it`s a food type that we know about, that we may even desire. While most of these berries and fruits are highly nutritious, have anti-inflammatory aspects, and are antioxidants, some berries and fruits could be dangerous for us. A great example of these dangerous look-alikes would be the edible elderberries, the mildly-toxic pokeberries, and the highly-toxic water hemlock berries.

Although there are other foods that can be foraged such as nuts, seeds, and roots, did you know that shellfish are also considered a foraged food source? Clams and mussels can be found near lakes and rivers. Although these are more reclusive and rarer to find, being at the right place, and at the right time, might yield you a great shellfish meal for the night.

There`s one last crucial point to make when thinking about foraging: the rules, both spoken and unspoken. These range from foraging safety to the common etiquette and behavior one should have when foraging.

Starting with the safety rules of foraging, if you don`t know what it is, don`t touch, taste, or take it. This is due to the reality that there are poisonous lookalikes in the wild, and while some will simply make someone sick, another could be the reason they die. Therefore, before venturing out into the wild to start your foraging journey, you should learn what foods are edible, the safety and precautions to take when entering the world of foraging, as well as learning the etiquette that should be used throughout your journey.

While out foraging, it`s important to be safe, but it`s just as important to be respectful. Littering and hoarding all that you find is a fireproof way of displaying disrespect. While we have other sources of food, others, such as animals for one, do not. It`s important to remember to only take what is needed, to leave some for other foragers, and the animals that live in the region. It`s important to safely prepare and use the foods that were foraged, and it`s important to share your knowledge with old and new members of the foraging world.

The foraging world is one filled with healthy foods, fresh air, enjoyment, exercise, respect, poisonous lookalikes, rural dangers, and wild dangers. But most importantly, it`s a way of life for some. After all of that, if you think you`ve got what it takes; what are you waiting for? Jump into the wild and prepare yourself for the beginning of a great foraging journey.

Zackary Brunet is a year 2 Professional Writing student who adores reading and writing. An aspiring novelist, Zack can be found hiding in his room, headphones on with music blaring, his fingers typing away on his computer`s keyboard. If you can`t find him there, look for his gaming set-up, or look for his secret stash of food, and you`ll be sure to find him.