Page 210 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Reindeer Lichen, Cladonia

rangiferina (CLADONIACEAE)

REINDEER LICHEN also known as Reindeer Moss, KEY MEDICINAL USES: A decoction of this lichen has
is a shrubby, finely-branched lichen that occurs in been used to treat diarrhea.
well-drained, open environments. Forming dense HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: In Scandinavia, Rein-
sprawling mats or balls, it grows upon soil, raised deer Lichen is used to make the spirit, akvavit. Once
peat, and mossy rock. While most abundant in the leached, it can also be boiled into jelly, or dried and
southern arctic, it is also found in temperate regions powdered for use in soups and bread. To remove the
across Canada and the northern United States. harmful acids, soak Reindeer Lichen for 3 hours in
PHYSICAL FEATURES: Beginning as a scaly crust, many changes of water. If possible, add baking soda to
Reindeer Lichen develops into an upright, fine- each soaking.
ly-branched structure of 1.5 to 5 inches (4-12cm) FRIED REINDEER LICHEN: Ingredients: Reindeer
tall. Its numerous stems are round, hollow, 0.02-0.07 Lichen (leached), oil, dried fish (crumbled). Steam li-
inches (0.6-1.8mm) wide, and sometimes perforated. chen for 10 min. Place in a pan with hot oil and fry
The tips of the branchlets, which resemble tiny ant- until crispy. Sprinkle with dried fish.
lers, are curved downward. Reindeer lichen may be
WARNING: Due to the presence of strong acids, do not
white or silvery-grey, occasionally with brown or pur-
eat before leaching first. People with ulcers should
ple tips. It is never greenish or yellowish.
avoid. Because of potential lead contamination, con-
REPRODUCTIVE FEATURES: Fruiting bodies (apoth- sume in small quantities. Avoid during pregnancy and
ecia) are rare. Greyish, coarsely granular soredia of- breastfeeding.
ten appear on the ridges and margins of the branches.
POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: See chapter Warning
EDIBLE PARTS: entire lichen

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