Wild herbs grow in our immediate surroundings, which we usually walk past carelessly. They are a real treasure chest, full to the brim with he althy and healing ingredients. Get to know them with all your senses. We'll tell you what to look out for when collecting.
What should you keep in mind when collecting wild herbs?
When collecting wild herbs, it is important to distinguish between edible and poisonous plants, to take helpful collecting utensils with you and to check the collection point for pollutants. Start with well-known wild herbs such as daisies, dandelions, groundweed and nettle.
Edible or poisonous?
An important question when it comes to which herb can end up in the basket. Every collector should be aware from the start that there are all sorts of poisonous wild herbs in the wild. Some even look very similar to edible wild herbs. That's why the most important rule is: only collect edible wild herbs that you can clearly identify.
Identify plants safely
Don't worry: the more you collect wild herbs, the more familiar they will become. At some point you will know for sure what herb it is. But at the beginning you should find out more about their distinguishing features.
- Read wild herb books
- attend wild herb hikes and seminars
- Use the wild herb app
- Study images with identifying features thoroughly
It makes sense to take everything with you on your first forays into nature that can help you identify herbs.
Usable plant parts
Most edible wild herbs have delicious leaves. Some species impress with their flowers, seeds, roots or fruits. As a collector you should know this for every plant you search for or find. The collection time also plays a role. Leaves collected early are young and tender, while some become quite bitter as they age.
The importance of the collection point
Every wild herb has its preferred locations where it thrives and can be easily tracked down. A few species seem to feel at home almost everywhere. So it is not surprising that we can find some wild herbs in the garden. For example, chickweed. Every collection point must be subjected to a critical inspection to ensure that there are no harmful substances attached to the herb. For example, it is important to clarify the following questions:
- Do dogs walk past it?
- Is there a busy road nearby?
- Are chemicals being sprayed on nearby beds/fields?
Helpful collecting utensils
Don't go empty-handed on an extensive wild herb hunt. The following utensils are part of the basic equipment, which can make the search much easier. Put them together as needed each time.
- Basket/Bag
- Scissors/Knives
- Shovel
- Long clothing (ticks/thorns)
- Description book or app
Tip
It's best to always take a bag with you on your nature walks. You never know when you might unexpectedly come across an edible wild herb.
Wild herbs for starters
The number of edible wild herbs is large. Not all species grow in moderation and not in every region. If you are looking for wild herbs for the first time, you should start with a few well-known specimens:
- Daisies
- Dandelions
- Giersch
- Stinging Nettle
If you like, add new herbs soon. Preferably those whose identification seems certain to you based on clear external characteristics.
