Page 207 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Edible Lichens

Iceland Moss, Cetraria
islandica (PARMELIACEAE)

ICELAND MOSS is a fruticose lichen that forms mulcent, disinfectant, and antibiotic activities. It has
spongy, moss-like mats over sandy soils and exposed been used to treat coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis,
surfaces. It grows from 2 to 4 inches (5-10cm) high indigestion, and pulmonary illness. It is applied exter-
in colonies that typically span 2-8 inches (5-20 cm) nally to wounds.
across. Suited to tundra, bogs, and alpine zones, it oc- HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: It is rich in nutritious
curs across Canada and in the US Appalachian Range. starches and can be harvested year-round. To remove
PHYSICAL FEATURES: This upright lichen is usually its rock-dissolving acids, soak it for 3 hrs. in many
anchored to its substrate from a single point. Its nu- changes of water. If possible, add baking soda to each
merous trough-shaped branches divide into thin, flat- soaking. Leached lichen can be boiled into jelly, or
tened lobes. The lobes are evenly toothed with tiny dried and powdered for use in soups and bread.
spines, giving the lichen a tufted appearance. The li- ICELAND MOSS MILK SOUP: Ingredients: 1 large
chen’s upper surface may be olive-green to brown; its handful of Iceland Moss (leached), 4 cups milk, 1 tbsp.
underside is whitish. When wet, Iceland Moss is lush sugar, salt. Bring milk to a simmer in a saucepan. Add
and rubbery; when dry, it becomes curled and brittle, Iceland Moss and sugar and cook for 10 min. Add salt to
often developing a rusty tinge. taste. For a thicker, gelatinous soup, simmer for 2 hrs.
REPRODUCTIVE FEATURES: Though rare, fruiting WARNING: Due to the presence of strong acids, do not
bodies (apothecia) are produced along the edges of eat before leaching first. People with ulcers should
the lobes. They are brown, rounded, and slightly com- avoid. In excess, this lichen may cause nausea and di-
pressed. arrhea. Lead contamination is possible. Avoid during
EDIBLE PARTS: entire lichen (leached) pregnancy and breastfeeding.
KEY MEDICINAL USES: Iceland Moss has strong de- POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: See chapter Warning

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