Tag Archives: Foraging

Wild Cucumber, Trout and Pictographs

Wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpus, previously called Echinocystis macrocarpa), also known as Manroot or Bigroot, was called molo’wot’ in Barbareño Chumash and chilicote in Spanish. Got it? “And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah; for … Continue reading

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Manzanita Flower Tea

Manzanita flowers. Manzanita is flowering at the moment. The Chumash Indians ate manzanita berries or fruits by preparing them in a variety of different ways and other Native Americans used the leaves for medicinal purposes. The wood was used by … Continue reading

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Oyster Mushrooms

Harvesting oyster mushrooms in the mountains of Santa Barbara County. I’m just some lunatic macaroni mushroom, is that it? —Joe Pesci With recent rains having finally fallen after the usual long dry period in these parts, and the winter transformation … Continue reading

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Los Padres Tree Lobster

Hericium in a hole. A Hericium mushroom I harvested today. When sauteed in butter and olive oil it tastes remarkably similar to lobster. It’s a choice wild edible. Meat Lion’s Mane Related Posts: Hericium Mushrooms

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Holly-leaved Cherries

Holly-leaved cherries (Prunus ilicifolia), seen here in the process of ripening, are a wild grown food that can be foraged in the local mountains. “Prunus ilicifolia is the most common wild cherry in coastal California south of San Francisco Bay, … Continue reading

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