- Have 100% positive identification of the plant and plant parts.
- Learn about the poisonous plants and warnings about plants in your area and abroad.
- Know how to use the plants, what parts to use and when to use them.
- Learn your plants through the different growth stages and seasons to avoid mistakes.
- Wash greens, vegetables and fruit whenever possible to avoid the pathogens in the droppings of birds, insects and other animals.
- Don’t collect near roads, dumps, train tracks, industrial areas or other contaminated areas.
- Eat only small amounts of plants that are new to you, and just one at a time.
- Know which plants should be eaten in moderation.
- Cook all aquatic plants and plant parts to destroy water borne pathogens.
- Finally, if in doubt, DON’T eat it!
And if that’s not enough, you can:
Follow Tim on Twitter @timmacwelch
Take one of his survival classes at www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com
and check out more of MacWelch’s outdoor skills and survival articles at Outdoor Life Magazine’s survival site, The Survivalist