Page 209 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Oak Moss, Evernia

prunastri (PARMELIACEAE)

OAK MOSS is a bushy, fruticose lichen that is widely KEY MEDICINAL USES: Oakmoss is used in aroma
distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It therapy to relieve headaches. Its essential oil is anti-
grows on neutral to acidic bark, favoring the stems septic, emollient, and expectorant.
and branches of oaks. It has also been known to grow HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Oakmoss can be har-
on other hardwoods and, in rare instances, on coni- vested year-round. Once leached (see “Iceland Moss”
fers. This lichen is found from low elevations to mon- for instructions) it can be boiled, fried, or dried and
tane regions, thriving in sunny, humid environments. powdered for use in soups and bread. This starchy li-
PHYSICAL FEATURES: The lichen’s body is palmate- chen has a perfume-like aroma. Avoid yellowish spec-
ly branched, shrubby, and green-grey to pale yellow- imens, which are higher in acid content and can be
ish-green, ranging from 0.8-3 inches (2-8cm) broad. confused with poisonous lichens.
Its numerous branches, which may be upright or TRUFFLE-LEMON OAKMOSS: Ingredients: 2-4 hand-
drooping, are strap-shaped, flattened, and forking. fuls fresh oakmoss (cleaned, leached), sunflower oil,
Measuring about 0.2 inches (0.5cm) broad near the ½ tsp. truffle oil, 1 squirt lemon juice, salt, pepper. Boil
base, the branches taper outward, ending in blunt or oak moss for 10 min. and set aside for a few minutes
pointed tips. Netted ridges pattern their surfaces. The to dry off. Fry oakmoss in sunflower oil for 5-10 sec.,
lichen’s underside is pale with whitish patches. When remove with tongs and place on paper towel sheets
old or dried, oakmoss becomes greyish-white with a to drain. Transfer crispy moss to a bowl and toss with
dark-brown base and tips. salt, pepper, truffle oil, and lemon juice.
REPRODUCTIVE FEATURES: Fruiting bodies (apoth- WARNING: Due to the presence of strong acids, do not
ecia) are rare. Greyish, coarsely granular soredia of- eat before leaching first. Oakmoss contains the toxin
ten appear on the ridges and margins of the branches. thujone. Consume sparingly.

EDIBLE PARTS: entire lichen POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: See chapter Warning
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