Guide to edible plants in the UK (Essex Area)

[River98]

Hi all can anyone recommend a good book on edible plants for me to use. Give me something to look out for when im walking. Maybe something quite basic don't want to be chancing stuff im not sure about.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Mesquite]

A good starter is Richard Mabey's 'Food for Free' There's also a pocket Collins Gem size version as well

You can also have a look at River Cottage Handbook 'Hedgerow'

 

[Ogri the trog]

You'll need more than one book, especially if you "... don't want to be taking any chances!"

Often one book will have a better description, photograph or drawing that another book will omit - the range helping you to identify something more positively (and conversely raising suspicions of there is any conflict). You'll also get a greater range of warnings of whether a species has been accepted as inedible, not worth eating or causes anaphylaxis in some.

If you're still unsure, collect a specimen - with permissions of course - and cross reference by any sources you can access - but nothing beats a good course with a reputable forager.

ATB

Ogri the trog