Edible Wild Berries

Berries grow in warmer climates and form a part of the wild plant family. They come from North and Central America, Chile and Mexico. Some of the edible wild berries can be eaten raw and some of them have to be cooked before they are eaten. Benefits of berries lie in the fact that they are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Types of Edible Wild Berries

There are many types of wild berries, although not all of them are edible fruits.

Salmon Berry: These are also known as 'Thimbleberry'. They are edible berries and bear fruits from May to July. These berries usually grow in semi-shaded areas. The color shade of these berries ranges from orange to salmon. These berries, native to America, signal the start of summer and give a welcome break from the winter food.

Blackberry: These edible berries can be found from July to September, at times till frost as well. They are creepers and climb on strong plants. Their leaves are unique. This is said to be a very aggressive creeper and usually forms a thicket. The fruits are black in color, when ripe. They should be rather picked when raw as they are tastier than the ripened blackberries. These berries are used in a variety of foods from pies and jams to wine.

Wild Strawberry: This type of berry is found on the hill-slopes and on exposed land. They ripen when they get the maximum sunlight, which can be anything between June to August. The difference between wild and domestic strawberry is in the taste. The wild strawberry has an intense taste and is also sweeter than its domestic counter-part.

Wild Cherry: The domestic cherries are derived from the wild cherries. The taste of these cherries can be acidic as well as sweet and succulent. They are commonly found all over Europe. Wild cherry fruits ripen around June. They are a favorite with the birds, hence you will see birds flocking to the wild cherry plant. This can also be used as a sign to identify the edible wild berries. Once you have identified these berries, you will also flock to them year after year. You can make cherry brandy from these wild cherries.

Raspberry: Raspberries are the best tasting berries. They grow in the wild as well as in gardens. They have an intense flavor and are usually found hidden under the leaves of the plant. They usually flower in sunlight. If you can lay your hands on this wild fruit, you can replace it in your recipe with other berries and your dish will taste much better. Raspberries are also used as an alternative to salmon berry and blackberry.

Mulberry: The difference between mulberry and other berries lies in the fact that they can survive in the coldest of climates whereas the others grow and flower in warm climes. Mulberries come in various colors like black, white and red.

Dewberry: These are the most delicate of all the berry types. Hence, they should be eaten as soon as they are plucked. They look similar to the blackberries, the only difference is that they look powdery. These berries can be used in cocktails or in mock-tails.

Blueberry: They get their name because of their color. These berries are found in either blue, purple or black colors. They are found in both wild as well as cultivated variety. Their flowers are bell-shaped. Blueberry usually bears fruits in May. The wild blueberries are common to North America. They are usually consumed in the form of jam.

Gooseberry: These berries are either green, red or yellow in color. They are used In jams and puddings.

Black Currant: This is a berry which can be eaten raw as well as ripe. They are normally used in jams, jellies, puddings and ice-creams. Very often people also freeze them for later use.

How to Identify Berries?

It is very easy to identify the berries. If you are on a nature's trail and spot a berry in the wilderness, pluck the berry. Eat it. If it tastes like any of the berries you have eaten, then the berry is an edible fruit. But in case you come across a white berry and you are not sure, whether it is an ivy-berry, then it is better not eaten. Ivy-berries are poisonous berries.

If you are indeed going on a trail, please carry a bag with you. This will enable you to get some edible wild berries home for the rest of the family and also for me! I will relish this kind of wild food and feel closer to my ancestors.