Summary: <br> <br> <br> Foraging 101<br> <br> [A Note from Stephanie: This episode is the second in a series that highlights attainable steps toward self-sufficiency. I hope the episodes in this series inspires you to adopt a fun, new hobby that also happens to be eco-friendly!]<br> <br> I’m Armenian. Each summer as a child, my mother, sister, and I would search for grape vines along the side of the road and collect leaves to make our most beloved ethnic food: dolma. Once we found a good vine, we picked until our fingertips went numb. I only recently realized there’s a name for this behavior—foraging—and there’s an active community of foragers who swear that wild food is richer in vitamins and minerals than most of what’s found in grocery stores.<br> If you have ever made salve from dandelions or collected elderberries you, too, are a forager. And while foraging is a fantastic way to supplement your family’s nutrition, the hobby also provides an excellent excuse to get exploring outdoors.<br> My guest this week is blogger and preparedness expert <a href="https://thesurvivalmom.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lisa Bedford</a>. Lisa comes to our conversation armed with practical foraging tips for beginners; she suggests ways to include the entire family in the fun, too.<br> Here’s a preview of today’s episode:<br> [9;40] 5 benefits of foraging for parents and kids alike<br> [17:45] The importance of having both a plan and a purpose before stepping out the door<br> [20:45] Foraging beginner? Here’s why and how to start with pine trees<br> [28:50] Health and safety tips for absolute beginners<br> <br> Resources mentioned in the episode:<br> <br> * <a href="https://amzn.to/2SsAAwH" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Idiot’s Guide to Foraging</a><br> * <a href="https://amzn.to/2BS8PFE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Peterson Field Guide: Edible Wild Plants</a><br> * <a href="http://www.eattheweeds.com">Eat The Weeds</a><br> <br> <br> * This week’s sponsor is <a href="https://blissoma.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blissoma</a>. (Use code MINIMAL at checkout for 20% off Sustain Ecosystem products!)<br> <br> * Want more episodes like this one? Check out <a href="https://mamaminimalist.com/139/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">#139: Self-Sufficiency Spotlight: Microgreens</a>.<br> * Social distancing is the *perfect* time to review your favorite podcasts! <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sustainable-minimalists-podcast/id1329830361" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">On the Apple Podcasts app</a>, hit the Library tab, scroll allll the way to the bottom past all prior episodes, then click on the stars to leave a review. (Thank you!)<br> * Join our (free!) community <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/134165317219800/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.<br> * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SustainableMinimalists/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook,</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mommyminimalist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> + <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mommyminimalist/pins/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pinterest</a>.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>
