Wild Foods Day is celebrated every year on October 28. It is a holiday dedicated to wildflowers, fruits, and veggies. Humans have consumed plants and gathered food from the wild for thousands of years. However, these wild foods are now increasingly appearing on menus in gourmet restaurants and raw food restaurants due to them being trendy. In addition, wild foods are free of preservatives and pesticides, and consuming them contributes to an environmentally conscious lifestyle.
History of Wild Foods Day
Wild foods are believed to have been in existence for over 40 million years. Wild food, generally, can be any edible plant that grows naturally without human intervention or any animal taken from its native environment for human use. It is easy to observe that the Earth is brimming with wild foods. Animals such as deer, elk, goose, turkey, and others are considered wild in the United States. In addition, various fruits and vegetables grow wild in many parts of the nation. Berry bushes of many sorts offer tasty fruits, and mushrooms cover the woodland floor. According to experts, there are approximately 2,000 edible and medicinal mushroom types worldwide. Nuts, herbs, tree fruits, and cactus pads are among more foods that grow independently, even in cities.In many cases, wild foods are more nutritious than their farmed counterparts. This is most likely due to their natural survival mechanisms. For example, some plants grow thorns or emit an unpleasant odor to prevent predators, while others produce bitter-tasting chemical compounds. These substances are known as phytochemicals, and research reveals that these can offer us health benefits if consumed regularly.Wild Foods Day started being mentioned regularly in the print media around 1974. Euell Gibbons, a wild food enthusiast, who became a minor media celebrity, most likely inspired the popularity of this day. He is best known for his debut book, “Stalking the Wild Asparagus.” Wild Foods Day is a celebration of all things wild and delicious that the planet has to offer.
Wild Foods Day timeline
Wild foods are discovered and found in nature.
Humans start to farm and grow their food.
Euell Gibbons publishes this famous book.
The day begins to appear in print media.
Wild Foods Day FAQs
Are wild raspberries healthy?
Yes, they are rich in vitamin C, minerals, and fiber.
Are blackberry and black raspberry the same?
Even though they look very similar, black raspberries and blackberries are two completely different fruits.
What are some wild foods humans can survive on?
Humans can survive on various wild foods, such as bird eggs, wild grapes, wild berries, wild roses, bamboo shoots, wild asparagus, etc.
Wild Foods Day Activities
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Learn about wild foods
There is a plethora of information out there on wild foods. The different types, safety guidelines, procurement methods, etc., are interesting to learn about and might come in handy on your next trekking trip.
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Find wild foods
Using all your newfound information about wild foods, see if you can find any of them in your direct surroundings and analyze whether or not they are safe to consume. This could also be a fun activity to do with friends.
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Eat wild foods
Wild foods are super trendy right now and have health benefits as well. See if your local grocery store has wild berries and other treats for you to indulge in.
5 Fun Facts About Edible Flowers
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They can be minty
Violets taste like mint and are often used to garnish food for this reason.
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They can do it all
Geraniums are great for savory dishes such as omelets, wines, and liquor.
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They can be strong
Citrus flowers need to be used sparingly, or they can overpower the entire dish.
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They can be buttery
A large number of chopped flowers can be used to make flower butter.
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They can be soothing
Jasmine makes exceptional tea with many health benefits.
Why We Love Wild Foods Day
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It is a unique holiday
Wild Foods Day is a day unlike any other. It draws attention to something so widely available around us and the uses of wild food.
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It expands our palettes
We can often go into a monotonous spiral when it comes to everyday food. A day like this encourages us to step out of our comfort zone and try something new.
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It protects us
Not all that is found in nature is safe. Some of it can be dangerous and deadly too. Wild Foods Day allows us to learn about these do’s and don’ts and preps us for our next wilderness adventure.
Wild Foods Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 28 | Friday |
| 2023 | October 28 | Saturday |
| 2024 | October 28 | Monday |
| 2025 | October 28 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | October 28 | Wednesday |
