Page 22 - 104 Lost Food Items

104 Lost Foods Items That Can Be Used For Survival

49. Prickly Pear

This isn’t a pear; it’s a cactus. But, if you have a pair of strong gloves, it’s also a
good food source in rocky or sandy areas of the west and southeast. The spiny
fruit can be disarmed by holding it in a flame to burn off the spines, then make it

into jelly or boil to extract the juice. To eat the cactus pads scrape of the spines
and trim the edges of the pads, then boil them for ten to fifteen minutes.

50. Prunella vulgaris

This small plant grows along the ground, reaching up to a foot high. The whole
plant can be eaten; young leaves and stems are great raw, or the whole plant –
roots and all – can be cooked. This plant is also called Heal-All; it’s antibacterial
and makes good poultices, or a healing tea.

51. Purslane

Available from early summer through fall, boil this plant to break down toxic
oxalates. It’s a good source of vitamins, calcium and magnesium.

52. Quickweed

Part of the daisy family, quickweed grows to about 2.5 feet high. The leaves can
be added to salads, or the whole plant chopped up and served as boiled greens.

53. Red Mulberry

This large deciduous tree produces berries in late spring and early summer.
They look like ripening blackberries but have a milder flavor, and can be eaten
raw or turned into jelly.

54. Reed Grass

This grows everywhere around fresh water. Collect young shoots in spring and
boil them. In fall collect the seed heads, crush them and cook like oatmeal. The
roots are tough, but starchy; wash, peel and mash them, strain out the fibers and
use the remaining starchy pulp to thicken souls or stews. It can also be dried.

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