Basic Essentials Edible Wild Plants and Useful Herbs (3rd Edition)

Jim Meuninck
Falcon (2007)
ISBN 0762740868
Reviewed by Juanita Watson for Reader Views (4/06)

Meuninck is a long-time biologist and author of books and special-interest videos covering wild plants, edibles, medicinal herbs and natural health.  This is a revised edition of the classic booklet released through the “Falcon Guide” series back in the late 1990s. 

Though in no way a definitive compendium of edible plants and herbs, it is a great introductory guide to some of the common plants you’d encounter throughout the United States and Canada.  The glossy color pictures are fantastic and Menunick has included highly interesting and useable information for each plant – accurate descriptions, locations, cooking tips, and medicinal uses.  He also spotlights warnings for the plants that may be poisonous if not used properly, or if they have toxic look-alikes, as well as a useful list of rules to consider when foraging for wild foods.

One of the unique aspects of Menunick’s book is the addition of great-tasting recipes for the outdoors enthusiast who wants to cook with their wild finds.  Dishes such as the Japanese Sauté (that includes dandelion leaves, watercress and stinging nettle), and Vegetarian Egg Rolls with Wild Berries and Maple Syrup Salsa were among my favorites.

Overall, “Basic Essentials Edible Wild Plants and Useful Herbs” is a well put together book with useful information for your next outdoor trip, or backpacking adventure.

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