The month of September signifies an abundant harvest in the woods, which makes foraging the top activity in restaurants and other eateries. You can also try foraging even as a tourist while enjoying walking or hiking.
Practice safety when you forage. You have to ensure that you only get harvest or plants you are certain about when it comes to their identity and safety when consumed.
Here are some of the edible harvests you can forage in the Northwest:
Berries
Bear in mind that not all berries are edible. Some could be deadly despite looking very similar to the berries you are familiar with.
Blackberries. You can use them in muffins, cheesecake toppings, or in making smoothies. They typically become abundant at the latter part of August up to fall. You will normally find them at the sides of small fences or near streams. Their bushes are thorny, so ensure you have protective clothing when you forage on these berries.
Elderberries. They are best used in jams and are commonly available from the middle of August until the middle of September. They are not that easy to pick since they grow in a cluster, so you have to bring tools to get them properly without causing damage to the rest of the plants.
You may also likely forage on mountain huckleberries you can use as toppings for pancakes, or in making vanilla ice cream shake and juniper berries you can turn into an infused winter gin or tea.
Other Harvests
Crabapples or wild apples. You can use them in making apple cobbler or pie. They come in plenty when it’s harvest time, but you have to get them before they get eaten by the wild birds.
Oyster mushrooms. You can use them to make risotto or make a good dish by cooking them in butter and garlic. You will typically find these mushrooms on dying or dead alders, so be sure to check out downed logs.
Golden chanterelle mushrooms. These plants are perfect in stews and soups. You will find them in places with lower elevations, such as oak and conifer forests. Make sure to check sites with mossy growth as you explore. They typically thrive near trees and come in groups.