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National Wild Foods Day

Writer's picture: Christy LeeChristy Lee

Updated: Nov 14, 2024

Celebrate National Wild Foods Day with Good Thyme Gal: Explore Nature’s Bounty and Get Involved!


National Wild Food Day

Hello, Good Thyme Gal readers! It’s time to lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the great outdoors, because October 28th is National Wild Foods Day—a celebration of all the delicious, edible wonders that nature has to offer. From foraged mushrooms and wild berries to edible greens and herbs, this day is all about connecting with the land and learning how to enjoy the natural foods that grow all around us.


Whether you’re a seasoned forager or someone who’s never set foot on a forest trail, National Wild Foods Day is the perfect opportunity to try something new, get out in nature, and discover the flavors of wild foods. Today, I’m sharing some tips on how you can celebrate, along with some safe and easy ways to get involved in foraging and wild food appreciation. Let’s dive in!


What Are Wild Foods?


Wild foods are plants, fruits, mushrooms, herbs, and even nuts that grow naturally in the wild without cultivation. They can be found in forests, fields, along riverbanks, and even in urban parks.

Think wild blackberries, dandelion greens, ramps (wild garlic), acorns, and more. -GTG

Many of these foods have been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years, and they offer unique flavors that you won’t find in store-bought produce.


Foraging for wild foods can be a fun and rewarding activity that deepens your connection with nature. Plus, many wild foods are packed with nutrients and offer fresh, seasonal flavors that you can’t replicate with conventional produce. But before you grab your basket and head into the woods, it’s important to know how to forage responsibly and safely.


Tips for Getting Involved on National Wild Foods Day


If you’re new to the idea of foraging, don’t worry! National Wild Foods Day is the perfect time to dip your toes into the wild food world. Here are some fun and easy ways you can celebrate and get involved:


1. Start with Easy-to-Identify Wild Foods


foraging for food

Foraging can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially when there are so many plants and mushrooms to choose from. If you’re just starting out, focus on easy-to-identify wild foods that don’t require a lot of expertise. Some great beginner options include wild blackberries, mulberries, dandelion greens, and stinging nettle (just wear gloves!). These foods are common in many regions and are easily distinguishable from harmful plants.


Good Thyme Gal Tip: Download a foraging app like PlantSnap or Seek to help you identify plants in the wild. These apps use your phone’s camera to provide detailed information about the plants you come across.


2. Join a Local Foraging Group


local foraging group

Many areas have local foraging groups or guided tours where experienced foragers lead you through trails and show you what’s safe and edible. This is a great way to learn more about your local flora while getting hands-on experience from experts. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet others who share your interest in wild foods!


Good Thyme Gal Tip: Check out Meetup.com or local social media groups to see if there are any foraging events happening in your area on National Wild Foods Day.


3. Visit Your Farmers’ Market


visiting a local farmer's market

If heading into the wild isn’t your thing, you can still celebrate National Wild Foods Day by visiting your local farmers’ market. Many farmers specialize in growing wild foods like mushrooms, herbs, and berries. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of the wild without having to forage yourself! You’ll be supporting local growers and getting a taste of fresh, seasonal produce at the same time.


Good Thyme Gal Tip: Ask the vendors at your market if they carry foraged goods. Some farmers forage wild foods from their land and bring them to market—look out for things like wild ramps, fiddlehead ferns, or chanterelle mushrooms.


4. Cook with Wild Foods


wild mushroom risotto

What better way to celebrate National Wild Foods Day than by cooking with some wild ingredients? If you’ve foraged your own foods, great! If not, you can pick up some wild foods from the grocery store, such as wild mushrooms, wild-caught fish, or even wild rice. Incorporating these ingredients into your meals is a delicious way to connect with nature and enjoy the unique flavors of the wild.


Good Thyme Gal Recipe Suggestion: Try making a Wild Mushroom Risotto with a mix of foraged mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, or oyster mushrooms. You can also try adding wild garlic or herbs to your favorite pasta dishes for a fresh, natural twist!


5. Practice Responsible Foraging


responsible foraging

Foraging can be a fun and sustainable activity, but it’s important to practice it responsibly. Always make sure you’re foraging in areas where it’s permitted, and never take more than you need—leave enough for the plants to thrive and for others to enjoy. Additionally, be absolutely certain that what you’re foraging is safe to eat. Some wild plants and mushrooms can be toxic, so it’s essential to properly identify them before consuming.


Good Thyme Gal Tip: Bring along a field guide or consult a foraging expert if you’re unsure about any plant or mushroom. When in doubt, don’t eat it!




Share Your Wild Food Adventures!


wild food collage

As always, I’d love to see how you’re celebrating National Wild Foods Day! Whether you’re out foraging in the woods, cooking up a wild food feast, or simply exploring new ingredients at your farmers’ market, snap a photo and share it with the Good Thyme Gal community. Use the hashtag #GoodThymeGal and #NationalWildFoodsDay so we can all join in on the fun!



National Wild Foods Day is a great reminder that nature provides us with so many delicious and nutritious foods, often right at our fingertips. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or just getting started, there’s no better time to explore the wonderful world of wild foods. So, grab your basket, take a walk through nature, and discover the incredible flavors that lie just beyond your doorstep.


Happy foraging, Good Thyme Gal readers—and remember, nature’s pantry is always open!


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Enjoy the wild flavors!

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