It is a veritable bounty that Robert K. Henderson describes in his book, The Neighborhood Forager: A Guide For The Wild Food Gourmet. The book identifies and describes various species of plants common to suburban areas that can be prepared in different ways. A passionate forager himself, the author spells that foraging for food can be done in one's own neighborhood that may offer substantial rewards. The Neighborhood Forager describes the basics of foraging with a history of the practice. Subsequent chapters highlight different plant types - resinous herbs from needle and cone-bearing trees, common flowers like dandelions, violets and marigolds; and greens and roots, such as chicory and nettles.
Mr. Henderson writes with humor and personal anecdotes which makes the book a good read even if you're not into foraging. The book is highly informative about plants growing in our yards and the countryside around us. It includes bits of history about foodstuffs as well as carefully documented warnings about eating strange things. The recipes are enticing and the information on dyes is an added feature. His strength is the passion with which he writes about foraging and the simplicity with which he describes finding and preparing many of the edibles.
The charming recipes at the end of each chapter are unusual. However, Henderson seems to have much the same skills in preparation of dishes as for finding the unusual ingredients and this is evident from his inventive recipes. Recipes for Mediterranean Turkey with Conifer Tips, Daylily Tuber Hushpuppies and Creamy Knotweed Soup are straightforward and look excellent. And his formulas for making exotic drinks, such as Elderflower Champagne and Sumac Lemonade, are both original and interesting.
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