How to Forage & Preserve Food - Paperback

by Tristan Trouble (Author)

How to Forage & Preserve Food Book Description This information rich resource is intended as an introductory guide for foraging and food preservation. It contains simple language that should be easy for even the novice forager and food preserver to understand. This book covers several topics, some of them more detailed than others. This was done because some of the information is universal and can be applied anywhere at any time, whereas other information requires the reader to conduct a bit of regional research in order to be successful in their endeavors. Topics covered include the basics formalities of foraging for food in a wilderness environment as well as an urban environment. Readers will learn the basics of foraging for wild edibles in the forest but will have to research the plants growing in their region before venturing out for the first time. In urban foraging environments there are several plants that are commonly found in major cities throughout the US; those plants have been listed but further research by region should also be given serious consideration. The Universal Edibility Test is covered in detail to provide the reader with a method of determining whether unfamiliar plants are safe for human consumption. This material should only be used as a last resort, and only when absolutely necessary for survival. Readers should not use this test as a method of learning how to forage for wild edibles as it places them at unnecessary risk of consuming potentially poisonous plants. Several food preservation techniques are also discussed within this guide. Water bath canning and pressure canning are explained in step-by-step detail to give the reader the ability to practice these skills building techniques at home. Readers will learn the difference between hot packing and raw packing as well as how to properly prepare food to be canned. This guide also contains valuable information on how to dehydrate food. Several of the options are primitive and unconventional; this will require the reader to conduct regional research, with regards to weather and outdoor temperatures, before they can be used successfully. Some methods will require the reader to build an outdoor dehydrator if they choose to use them. Other methods are considered conventional, such as drying food in a dehydrator or an oven; these methods apply universal instructions, so they are covered in greater detail. If you've ever wanted to know how to forage for food in the wilderness, or for wild edibles in an urban/suburban environment, then this guide is a great place to get started. The same can be said for those who are interested in learning to preserve food for future use. The conventional methods of canning and dehydrating food can be used to create a survival food plan that will ensure enough surplus for the entire year. Finally, this guide provides brief, but nevertheless valuable, information regarding the storage of surplus food. Readers who are looking for a way to build their survival food plan will find this information timeless and useful for their emergency preparedness endeavors.