Page 198 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Redbud, Cercis

canadensis (FABACEAE)

EASTERN REDBUD is a deciduous understory tree,
typically growing to 30 ft. (12m) tall with one or more
trunks. Its rounded spreading crown can grow to 25 ft.
(8 m) broad. Its smooth brown bark becomes furrowed
with maturity.

FLOWER AND FRUIT: Clusters of magenta-hued flowers
are produced from March to May before leaves appear.
Flowers are butterfly-like and measure 3.5-5 inches (9-
12cm) across. Flattened pea-like pods are 2-4 inches
(5-10cm) long. Each pod contains 6-12 dark seeds and Judy Gallagher, CC-BY-2.0 Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC-BY-3.0
matures from greenish-red to brown in the summer.
They are fantastic in salads, fritters, and pancakes.
LEAF: Leaves are simple, alternate, and broadly heart- Young, tender seed pods can be eaten raw or sauteed
shaped, measuring 2-6 inches (5-15cm) long and wide. like snow peas.
EDIBLE PARTS: flower buds, flowers, young seed pods PICKLED REDBUD: Ingredients: 1 cup flower buds,
KEY MEDICINAL USES: Bark tea has been used to treat ½ cup white wine vinegar, ½ cup water, ½ tsp. kosher
whooping cough. salt. Combine vinegar, water, and salt. Fill a clean jar
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Flower buds, harvested with buds. Cover with brine until filled. Screw on the
in early spring, can be pickled like capers. Mature flow- cap and let sit for 3 days in a cool dark place.
ers are rich in vitamin C, with a sweet-citrusy flavor.

Rowan, Sorbus
americana (ROSACEAE)

ROWAN or Mountain Ash is a small deciduous tree
growing to 40 ft. (12m), with an open, rounded crown
and grey semi-smooth bark.
Darren Swim, CC-BY-SA-3.0
FLOWER AND FRUIT: White flowers are borne in flat-
topped clusters to 6 inches (15cm) across. Firm, or-
ange-red fruits arrive in August and persist until the
following spring. They are 0.25 inches across, slightly
glossy, and form large dense clusters.
LEAF: Leaves are alternate and pinnately compound
with 11-17 finely serrated leaflets. Superior National Forest, CC-BY-2.0 Fungus Guy, CC-BY-SA-3.0
EDIBLE PARTS: fruit WILD RICE WITH ROWAN BERRIES: Ingredients:
1 cup wild rice, 4 cups chicken stock, ½ cup rowan
KEY MEDICINAL USES: Fruits are astringent and di-
gestive. berries (cooked, sweetened), 4 oz. (113 g) bacon, 5
crab apples, 1 tbsp. butter. Combine rice and chicken
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Harvest berries as they
stock. Simmer for 15-20 min. Drain and save ¼ cup
ripen from late August to November. While the fresh
of stock. Lightly sauteed bacon. Add chopped apples
fruits are typically bitter and mealy, they do become
and cook for 2 min. Toss with rice, berries, and re-
sweeter after a few frosts. Simply snip the fruit clusters
maining stock. Mix in butter and your choice of sea-
from the twigs, taking care not to damage next year’s
soning.
buds. A bucket of berries will keep for 1-2 weeks if
stored in a cool, dry area. High in pectin, they are excel- WARNING: Fruits may contain amounts of hydrogen
lent for making jelly, pies, and preserves. They can also cyanide. Consume in moderation.
be dried, picked, cooked with meats, and fermented into POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: Texas Mountain Laurel,
a strong cider. Sophora secundiflora; Holly, Ilex spp.

197