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In the West, people are so used to finding food in stores that most of them, if left alone in nature, wouldn’t be able to survive for very long. If by terrible chance you happen to be stuck in a place without any food, knowing what is edible can save your life, and even remembering part of this list will still prove beneficial in such a case. |
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Word of Warning: Do not eat a plant unless you are 100% sure it is, indeed, edible. Many plants contain toxins that can make you very sick and even kill you. Pregnant and nursing women should consult with a physician beforehand.
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Dandelions – The entire plant is edible. Can be bitter. |
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Pine Needles – Can be boiled in water to make a vitamin-rich tea. |
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Kudzu – The whole plant is edible. |
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Daylily – The flower is edible. Make sure it’s an orange 6-petals flower, with a leafless stem. |
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Acorns – Can be bitter and should only be eaten after it's cooked, and even then only in a limited amount. |
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Cattail – Roots, bottom of the stem, and leaves can be boiled or eaten raw. |
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Garlic Mustard – Seeds, flowers, and leaves, are edible, the roots can be eaten but only if the plant is not blossoming. |
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Chickweed – The leaves are edible, both raw and boiled, and are rich in vitamins. |
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Herb Robert – A member of the Geranium family. Leaves can be eaten or made into tea, as well as used as a mosquito repellent. |
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Beach Lovage – The leaves can be eaten raw or used in cooking. The plant has a powerful taste. |
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Watercress – The leaves are edible and have a spicy flavor. |
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Lamb’s Quarters – The leaves are edible and go with any dish that calls for cooking greens. |
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Mallow Malva Neglecta – The entire plant is edible, and has a mild nutty flavor and a slightly slimy texture. |
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Miner’s Lettuce – Young leaves and bulbs can be eaten raw, the root should be boiled and peeled, and will taste like chestnuts. |
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Wild Bee Balm – The leaves can be boiled for tea, used as seasoning, or eaten raw. They taste like earl grey tea. The flowers are also edible, with a citrusy flavor. |
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Common Mallow – The leaves are edible both raw and cooked. Seed pods are also edible when they are green and soft. |
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Pineapple Weed – Flowers and leaves are edible raw or cooked. |
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Milk Thistle – The entire plant can be eaten after cooking, but remember to remove the spines. |
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