Orange County

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Foraging

Orange County is a wonderfulplace to forage for wild foods.Many Native American tribeslike the Lenape’ once sustainedthemselves on this fertile soil.Here are a few items you canforage from most back yards andparks and what you can do withthem: Burdock is a pesky plantthat can be found on most farms.It has burrs that stick to animal fur, and broad fuzzy leaves that for rosettes in the spring.The Japanese use Burdock roots (called Gobo) as a dietary starch staple. It is a great livercleanser.

JAPANESE SWEET & SOUR GOBOBased on a recipe by Susan Weed in Wise Woman Herbal

4 Med. Burdock Roots (these take some work to uproot)2 Tbsp. Tamari2 Tbsp. Local Honey2 Tbsp. Vinegar4 oz. water (1/4 C.)2 Tbs. Sesame SeedsCut burdock into thin, diagonal slices, soak and parboil. Drain, add honey, tamari,vinegar and water, simmer 10 more minutes. Put in a serving dish and sprinklewith sesame.

Dandelions are considered a pest to most homeowners, but in some “old world” coun-tries they are a gift. All parts of the plant are useful and edible, and they are plenti-ful doe three seasons. The roots make a wonderful alternative to coffee, the greens aregreat in a salad in early Spring, or sautéed in Summer, and the flowers make won-derful fritters before going to seed.

"Gestation" by Leslie Waxtel

Leslie Waxtel is a painter, working in oil and watercolor. Her colorful landscapes, buildings and nature studies have been exhibited innumerous national and regional shows. She has been a demonstrating artist for the Wallkill River School and resides in Montgomery, NY.