Here's How To Safely Forage Your Own Food Outdoors

This opened my eyes to the power of plants and nature in general. Since then, no matter where I've lived, I’ve made it a point to forage for food, fresh herbs, and medicine.

Even when I lived in urban London, I found ways to pick some of my own food. On my way home from horseback riding in Hyde Park in the autumn, I'd stop to put some prickly chestnuts in my helmet to pop in the oven for a warm afternoon snack. As a volunteer at a farm in Devon, U.K., I harvested blackberries by the gallon to make fruit leather and jam and learned how to use nasturtium buds to make peppery pickles.

Foraging is more than just a fun activity; it's an amazing opportunity to get outside and gather fresh, organic food. From seascapes, to the woods, to the jungle, Mother Nature always has something to offer. Here are a few top tips to get out there and try to find her gifts for yourself:

While I’ve harvested my fair share of chanterelles, boletes, and morels, I don’t advise that you begin with mushrooms if you’re a novice. Some varieties can be deadly!

These books also talk in detail about areas to avoid when harvesting, as well as regulations around native species and foraging in nature preserves. A word of caution: Get to know (or avoid) plants that have poisonous look-alikes!

When I was studying at Cornell, I took a class called Weed Science. I'll always remember my professor telling me, "Weeds are plants whose virtues have not yet been discovered." Contrary to what most people think, weeds can be full of essential minerals and antioxidants. Stinging nettle is a great example. Ubiquitous in Europe, the "weed" is packed with vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium. I view it as a local, organic, free superfood!

There are some great apps out there that can help you identify different plants. Leaf Snap, Plant Snap, and Wild Edibles are a few of my top picks. There's also the wonderful website Falling Fruit, which collects data from foragers and freegans to create a map of half a million free food sources around the world. Search your town and see what you find!

Search your city’s calendar of events or browse Meetup to see if you can find a local group to take you on a tour. Many botanical gardens and arboretums will offer free guided walks to help you get started and get excited! Most herbalists, like my friends 7Song (United States) and Jeanne Lyse (United Kingdom), also take people out on plant walks. Find places like the NYC High Line to identify experts to guide you on this journey.

Yes, you read that correctly! Though some species are more nutritional and palatable than others, you can’t poison yourself with seaweed (unless you harvest it in contaminated waters).

Next up? Check out some of the best herbal remedies for your anxiety, energy, and gut health.