Page 78 - Spring 2019 Journal

Successful native cultures that relied on traditional foods were very careful to collect them in ways that preserved and enhanced the food supplies they depended upon.
how he and his wife went on a one-month “wild food” diet. This included deer, many types of seafood, maple syrup and many other foods that some would consider relatively common, along with an extensive array of not-so-common ones. The meals that Thayer presents as examples are of particular interest, since many remind me of similar meals that traditional groups con- sumed before the displacing foods of modern commerce altered so many dietary landscapes irrevocably. This section is instructive and hon- est—foraging and food preparation take time. Whereas the average American spends only about thirty minutes per day on food, the Thay- ers, if they were to go on a 100 percent foraged diet for an entire year, would dedicate roughly six times that (i.e., three hours).
The subsequent sections represent the heart of the book. First comes a foraging calendar. This is especially useful for those new to for- aging, as you can’t forage what isn’t available, and you only want to forage certain things when they traditionally were collected and consumed. Then, plant by plant—with lovely pictures, extensive descriptions, warnings for any major look-alikes and more—Thayer meticulously walks us through Nature’s garden. Each section contains all the information you need to forage
and feast upon each particular plant. Each sec- tion is also a glimpse into Thayer’s rich life, filled with stories that shape and inform his experience of plants and wild foods from his childhood to this day.
Thayer does not appear to present the plants in any particular order, and the plant profiles vary substantially in length. Some, like acorns, go on and on, in a fashion that is much to be ap- preciated. This is because acorns are an incred- ible food source but require far more skill and care in collection and preparation than most wild greens. So Thayer varies his approach, making sure readers get all they need to succeed with each plant.
The extensive pictures help make sense of the text. The plant-by-plant approach means you can read the entire work or just pick it up when you are in the mood to learn about one or two particular wild foods.
Whether you are new to or experienced with foraging, Thayer’s book will serve you well. With spring set to arrive any day (at least, most of us hope!), it is a timely tome to enjoy during the final, lingering days of winter, preparing us for the bounty that spring brings. Two thumbs up.
Review by John Moody
All Thumbs Book Reviews
Designed by Sally Fallon Morell, these fun notecards are a great teaching tool and conversation starter about the Wise Traditions diet. Each card has a different wordle describing one aspect
of our diet. Enjoy reading them and sending them to friends.
$15 for the set of twelve cards Order at westonaprice.org
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Wise Traditions
SPRING 2019