Tips and Tricks When Foraging for Food

Thank you for visiting our site today!  
We would love for you to sign up for our email list and 
join our Facebook page so that you don’t miss any updates!  You can also check us out on Instagram and Twitter!

I have included some affiliate links in this post.  This means that if you make a purchase through clicking on one of these links, I will get a small percentage of the sale.  This is at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for your support of this blog and my family. 

I'll admit, I've only been foraging a few times (as an adult) so I am certainly no expert.  However, one can learn A LOT in just a few trips of foraging!  I've compiled some things that I wish someone had told me before I embarked on my adventures.  I hope they help you, my friend!

Make sure you know what you are picking.
This is sort of obvious, but you'd be surprised.  Do your research and make sure you are 100% positive that what you are picking is what you think you are picking.  There are great resources out there like this one.  You can also purchase books like any of these or take a friend who has gone before.

Photo Credit

Have the right clothing and tools.
You want to make sure that you are completely covered before you forage for food (especially if you'll be picking things near high grass).  It's always a good idea to wear a scarf on your head, long sleeves, long pants, socks, boots, and even gloves.  

You'll also want a bucket, towel to put down in your vehicle to go under the bucket, clippers or scissors, a first aid kit, a snack, water for drinking and possibly a guide book.

Don't pick near farm land (unless it's an organic farm).
You just never know what has been sprayed on farmland or when it was sprayed.  If you are picking berries, chances are they are full of toxins if they are next to farmland.  

Leave some behind for the animals and other people.
It's always a good idea to be a good steward of the land.  This means that you don't take it all for yourself.  Share with the animals who depend on the food and also with other foragers.  

My husband and daughter picking Elder Berries

Make it a family experience.
This can be a great learning experience for the entire family.  Your children, neighbors, and friends can all get together and make great memories while also being productive.  If your children are with you through the entire process they may be more willing to try something that they wouldn't normally want to try.  

Some of our Elder Berries from last year

Pick, sort, wash, and freeze or can your goods right away.
When you forage for food you not only get the food but you get the bugs.  If you let your produce sit overnight it may get eaten by the bugs that you brought with you (trust me on this one).  You will also get the bugs in your house if you bring them inside and don't pick them right away (trust me again).  If I am picking something like elder berries I will cut them from the vines, bring them home and pick the berries off, wash them, then freeze them right away.  You can also go ahead and make a large batch of whatever you are making with the food then freeze it.  I make my own elder berry syrup in large quantities.    

Ask permission and know the law.
If you are foraging on private property you MUST ask permission.  If you are foraging on public property you need to know the laws.  It is ok to forage in most states as long as you are not selling anything that you get.  You can call your local police to find the rules. My friends and I did get stopped by the police one time, but he was just checking on us and told us to watch out for chiggers!

Photo Credit

Things you can easily forage for:

Elder berries
Elder flowers
Dandelions
Chives
Apples
Pears
Pine cone seeds
Mushrooms
Wild garlic
Wild onions
Berries
Nuts
Nettle
Honeysuckle

A lot of the above mentioned items can also be purchased at Mountain Rose Herbs and The Bulk Herb Store if you can't find them in the wild in your area.

Here are some other blog posts about foraging that you may find helpful:
Foraging for Black Wild Raspberries
Foraging for Spring Greens
Foraging 101
5 Anti-Infalmmatory Herbs in Your Own Backyard
SurvivorKids - Foraging for Wild Edibles
Backyard Foraging with Kids

And here are some recipes that use some of these foraged goodies: 
Dandelion Fritters
Berry Pancake Syrup (with any berry)
Strawberry and Apple Gummy Fruit Snacks
Crockpot Applesauce
Apple Crisp
Black Raspberry Pie
Three Delicious Herbal Dandelion Coffee Recipes
Herbs and Children - Dandelions
Salsa and Spinach Pie with Wild Onions

Want even more resources on this topic?  Check out the books below.  You can get all of these (plus dozens more) for less than $30!  Click the books for more details on this offer!

If you've been foraging for food, what are some of your favorite things to forage for?  Do you have any other tips and tricks?

Leave your answers in the comments section!

Pumpkin Puree Recipe and Round Up

Thank you for visiting our site today!  
We would love for you to sign up for our email list and 
join our Facebook page so that you don’t miss any updates!

I guess my frugalness (is that a word?) started when I was young.  I remember watching my parents and grandparents do small things just to save a little money here and there.  My grandfather (93) even heats up ink pens in the oven just to get a little more ink to come out.  It's just a part of who I am! 

So, every year I roast pumpkin seeds and make pumpkin puree with our fall decorations as not to waste anything!  

Some of you have already moved on to Christmas, and that's fine.  This post may still apply to you if you plan on eating a Thanksgiving meal.  It may also apply to you if you simply want to incorporate pumpkin into your diet - which you should because it's delicious and good for you!

Making pumpkin puree is super easy and the puree can be used in several different ways (see bottom of post for some links to some GREAT recipes).  

What you'll need:

Pie Pumpkins (these are the medium sized ones that fit nicely in your hands)
Pan with sides
Sharp knife
Oven set to 350 degrees
Food processor, blender, or fork

What you'll do:

1.  Pop the stems off the pumpkins and give them to your kids to use as drum sticks (seriously, I just can't part with things right away).  Wash the pumpkins then cut them in half and scoop all the seeds and strings out.  You'll probably have to use a spoon and really scoop them out of there.  Save those seeds for roasting! 

2.  Place the pumpkins on a pan skin side up.  I could fit 2 pumpkins on mine but you may be able to fit more if they are a little smaller.  You could also cut them up even more if they won't all fit on one pan.  I poke the skins a few times with a knife just because I feel like that's what I'm supposed to do.  I'm sure this step is optional.  

3.  Place the pan in your preheated (to 350 degrees) oven and cook for about 45 min - 1 1/2 hours.  The outside of the pumpkins will start to brown and they will be easily poked with a knife or fork when they are done.

4.  Peel the skins off the pumpkin and put the remaining pumpkin into a food processor or blender and process or blend away!  If you don't have one of these fancy tools then just use some good ole elbow grease and a fork! 

5.  If you are using your puree right away then just store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.  If you need to save it, just scoop about 1 cup into bags or containers and freeze it.  Then you'll already have it measured out for you when you need to thaw it and use it.  

Check out these recipes that contain pumpkin puree:
Breakfast
Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Parfait by Stacy Makes Cents Pumpkin Pie Pancakes by Nourishing Joy
Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars by Stacy Makes Cents
Pumpkin Syrup by Stacy Makes Cents
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls by Creating Naturally
Ezekiel Bread Pumpkin Muffins by Lexie:Naturals

Main Dish
Crock Pot Pumpkin Soup by Stacy Makes Cents
Creamy Pumpkin Soup by Creating Naturally  
Dessert
Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Pumpkin Whipped Cream by Nourishing Joy
Pumpkin Ice Cream by Amazing Grace FarmPumpkin Cookies (GF/Vegan) by Whole New Mom
Pumpkin Swirl Bars (GF/DF Version) by The Nourishing Home
Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Latte by Young Wife's Guide

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO USE PUMPKINS?

How to Make Elder Berry Syrup {And the Benefits of Using it}

Thank you for visiting our site today!  
We would love for you to sign up for our email list and 
join our Facebook page so that you don’t miss any updates!

I started making my own elder berry syrup a few years ago.  I remember the winter we started taking it no one in my family even got a cold (and we ALWAYS get colds).  I started with a very simple recipe and have added to it over the years.  You could easily leave out everything but the water and elderberry, but I like the benefits of all the ingredients (see bottom of post for why I use each ingredient).

What you'll need:

2 cups water
1/2 cup dried elder berries (or 1 cup fresh)
1-2 cinnamon sticks
1 T grated ginger (or dried/ground)
5 whole cloves (not cloves of garlic - the spice clove)
2-3 star anise (anise star pods)
1 cup local raw honey

These herbs and spices can be found at Mountain Rose Herbs, The Bulk Herb Store, or Vitacost.

What you'll do:

1.  Place the first 6 ingredients into a pot and simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half.

2.  Strain well.  You can put a towel over a colander or use a sieve to accomplish this.  After it's well strained you want to squeeze all the juice and goodness from the berries.  I remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise and place the rest into a cheesecloth for this step.  You can also use the back of a spoon to smash the berries into a sieve.  You want all the juice and goodness that you can get.

3.  Let the liquid cool to 90-100 degrees then add honey and stir.  Place in a glass container and store in the refrigerator for up to a few months.  You can add vodka to make it last even longer.

Notes:

• This recipe can be doubled, tripled, quadrupled, etc.  
• This will last several months.  If you want it to last even longer you could add some rum or vodka.  Ours has never gone bad though and I don't add the alcohol.
• For prevention of illness and to boost the immune system adults should take 1 tablespoon daily and children should take 1 teaspoon daily. 
• If illness should strike, adults can take 1 tablespoon 4-8 times daily and children should take 1 teaspoon 4-8 times daily.  It should be taken at the first sign of sickness.
• It can be taken right from the spoon, mixed with water to make a tea, mixed with sparkling water, or eaten as any other syrup.
• When elderberry is eaten as a raw fruit it could cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but these effects are not as common when it is cooked.  My family has never experienced any of these.
• It should not be given to anyone under the age of 1.
• Don't want to make your own?  You can purchase it here.

Photo By: Geishaboy500

Benefits of each ingredient:

Elderberry - Elderberry is antiviral.  It is known to fight against influenza (especially when given within 24-48 hours).  Some evidence even suggest it can help with cancer, constipation, nerve pain, hay fever, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and other illnesses.  It's often referred to as "Nature's Tamiflu" and it improves the immune system.

Cinnamon - It has anti-fungal properties and can be used to lower pain when combined with honey.  It fights e-coli bacteria, can eliminate headaches and migraine, and it can help stabilize blood sugar.

Ginger - Ginger improves the absorption of nutrients in the body.  It has anti-inflammatory properties and can rid throat and nose congestion.

Cloves - They are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Cloves contain eugenol which is toxic against fungus, bacteria, yeast, and candida, and it has anesthetic and analgesic properties.

Star Anise - Star anise is the principle active ingredient in Tamiflu.  It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  It is used to treat asthma, dry cough, and bronchitis.  It can also promote sound sleep.

Local Raw Honey - Local honey can help build an immunity to seasonal allergies. It is full of minerals and vitamins and it aids in digestion.  Honey is a cough suppressant and contains antioxidants and photo-nutrients.

Other beneficial ingredients that can be added:
Echinacea 
Garlic
Turmeric
Astragalus

These herbs and spices can be found at Mountain Rose Herbs, The Bulk Herb Store, Amazon, or Vitacost.

You may also find these resources helpful:

Information I have provided is for entertainment purposes only and I am not providing medical, legal or other professional advice. As the reader you should reading and/or use any of the information you glean from this blog at your own risk.  :)  I have done a lot of research on this topic, but it does not mean that it is right for your family just because it is right for mine.

You should also know that I have included affiliate links in this post which means that if you purchase something through clicking some of the links in this post I will get a percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for your support of this blog and my family.

Have you checked out our new website?  We'd love for you to come and visit us!  You can log in or browse as a guest.  Let us know what you think! www.lexienaturals.com

How to Wash Fruits and Vegetables {The Natural Way}

Thank you for visiting our site today!  
We would love for you to sign up for our email list and 
join our Facebook page so that you don’t miss any updates!

Confession: I used to not wash my fruit or veggies.  Or, if I did wash them it was simply with running water.  I thought it was too much of a hassle and I didn't even know how to do it.  But one day I thought about how much I handle the fruit and veggies at the grocery store trying to find the perfect avocado or head of broccoli, and I realized that there were other people out there handling the fruit and veggies just as much as I was.  <gasp>  This made me a little queazy thinking about.  

Insert fruit and veggie washing!  Now, you can buy fruit and vegetable washes that are super simple and safe to use, but I just prefer doing things my own way.  :)  

So, how do I wash my fruit and veggies?  Well, it's actually quite simple.  I follow these few steps right when I'm unpacking my sacks from the store (see bottom for some special instructions for certain produce):

1.  Wash one side of the kitchen sink and then fill it 1/4 to 1/2 of the way full of water (I use cold water but you could use luke warm too).  

2.  Pour in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of white vinegar and put fruits and veggies in to soak.

3.  After 10 minutes rinse the fruit well and lay on a towel to dry.

That's it!  You now have nice clean fruit and veggies that are ready to eat! We use most of our fruits and vegetables within the week, so cleaning ahead of time doesn't affect us much; however, if you store fruit and veggies for a longer period of time you may wish to wash some things right before using them. 

Here are some other special instructions for certain produce:

leafy greens - Make sure you remove outer leaves and separate leaves for easier cleaning.

mushrooms - Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the tops or you can run under cold water to remove the dirt.  You can dip them into the water/vinegar solution but don't soak them.  

berries - Don't leave them soaking too long in the water/vinegar solution because they will absorb the taste.  Simply dip them in and then set aside to dry.  Most berries should be washed right before use as not to promote bacteria growth, but we often wash them right when we get home and use them throughout the week.

fruits with hard peeling (like melons and avocados) - Wash as mentioned before.  Even cutting into a fruit can transfer bacteria from the outside of the skin to the fruit that you eat.

Want healthy recipes to go with your veggies and fruits?  Check out the books below.  You can get all of these (plus dozens more) for around $30!  Click the books for more details on this offer!

Have you checked out our HOMEMADE SKINCARE products on our new website?  We'd love for you to come and visit us!  You can log in or browse as a guest.  Let us know what you think! www.lexienaturals.com

Homemade Purple, Blue and Sea Green Food Coloring

Thank you for visiting our site today!  
We would love for you to sign up for our email list and 
join our Facebook page so that you don’t miss any updates!

My 4 year old daughter decided on the theme Blues Dance Party for my 2 year old's birthday party.  Our 2 year old loves the color blue and loves to dance, so it only seemed appropriate.  I was super excited about this theme... until I tried to find blue food.  It's very rare.  There are blueberries (which are actually purple), blue potatoes, blue corn and the rest is nonexistent where we live.  

So, I rounded up all the blue food I could find then set out to make my own blue food WITHOUT conventional blue food coloring (for these reasons).  I couldn't find a dye that would work with sweet food, so I had to get creative.  I decided to put blueberries on top of white icing and then dye some savory food blue with my homemade food coloring. Check out how I did it. 

Purple, Blue and Sea Green Food Coloring

What you'll need:
1 large pot
1 head RED cabbage 
water (enough to fill a pot)
1/8-1/2 tsp baking soda
strainer
bowls

What you'll do:
1.  Wash red cabbage and cut it into large chunks.
2.  Place cabbage in large pot and fill with water.

3.  Boil water and then simmer for about 10-15 minutes until cabbage becomes pale in color and water turns purple.
4.  Remove pot from stove and strain water into a large bowl. Divide water into three bowls.  Leave the first bowl as is for purple dye (that was easy, huh?).
6.  To make BLUE dye, add a SMALL amount of baking soda to one of the bowls.  I only added about 1/8 tsp to a large bowl.  
7.  To make a SEA GREEN, add a little more baking soda than you did for the blue dye.  I added about 1/4 tsp to a large bowl for the green.                    
8.  Save the cabbage for eating another day or add some onions, peppers, and hot sauce for a side dish for dinner.  :)  Or give it to your dad because your refrigerator is too full, that's what I did.

What you can do with your food coloring:
1.  Soak boiled eggs (after they've been halved and you've emptied the yolk) in the dye for stuffed eggs (that's how I used the dye for our party).  You can soak them for as little or long as you'd like.  
2.  Soak boiled eggs still in the shell for dying eggs.
3.  Add to any savory white dip.

What you should not do with your food coloring:
1.  Give it to your kids as a glass of fun colored water.  Even though it is fun colored water, they will most likely spew it out and leave a mess.  :)
2.  Remember - you made this with cabbage!  It does have a SLIGHT cabbage taste.  It isn't overpowering, but this dye really only works in savory dishes.

Don't want to make your own food coloring? Check out India Tree natural food coloring sets, sprinkles, and more.  I would LOVE to purchase this set some day!  

Have you ever made your own food coloring?  I'd love for you to share your results in the comments below!

*I have included an affiliate link in this post.  

Eucalyptus Chest Rub

Thank you for visiting our site today!  
We would love for you to sign up for our email list and 
join our Facebook page so that you don’t miss any updates!

A few weeks ago my sister asked me to help her make a chest rub for two of her kids who had trouble breathing at night.  So, I looked at different recipes and added some ingredients of my own.  I didn't have all of the essential oils needed so I infused some olive oil with herbs that I had on hand (see instructions for this at the bottom - it's not as scary as it sounds).

It was easy to make this rub and it works just as well as any other chest rub you can purchase.  Another benefit of this chest rub is that it's homemade so I know exactly what's in it. We usually just put a few drops of Eucalyptus oil on our daughters' pajamas or sheets when they have a cold, but I like this method of putting it on better because it stays on longer and seems to work better because the oils get soaked into the skin.

*What you'll need:

2 teaspoons beeswax (I use pastilles for easy measuring)

1/2 teaspoon shea butter

1 teaspoon coconut oil  

1/4 cup olive oil

25-30 drops eucalyptus essential oil

20-25 drops rosemary essential oil 

10-15 drops lavender essential oil

glass or tin containers (makes a little less than 1/2 cup)

What you'll do:

1.  Add your beeswax and shea butter to a double boiler (simply place a glass bowl over a boiling pot of water).

2.  Once beeswax and shea butter are melted add your coconut oil and olive oil.  Stir when melted using a wood skewer for easy clean up.

3.  Remove from heat and let sit 1-3 minutes.  Add essential oils and stir.

4.  Pour into containers and let harden before putting on the top.  Store in a cool dry place for up to a year.

To Use:

Simply scoop some chest rub out with your fingers and apply to chest and back.  You can also add to feet (especially the toes) before putting on socks at night.  This chest rub is super smooth and creamy and very easy to apply.

Notes: 

You can substitute the lavender or rosemary essential oils for peppermint or camphor.  I would just use caution if making this for children because the scent becomes much stronger when using either of those oils.

If you find this recipe to be too strong simply remelt and add more beeswax, coconut oil, and olive oil (same amounts of each).  If you find that it isn't strong enough, remelt and add more essential oils.

To quickly infuse oils with herbs:

1. Place a glass container in boiling water.  Be sure to put a cloth of some sort at the bottom so that the glass does not crack.  Put your oil and herbs in the glass container and simmer for 2-12 hours.  I use about 2 Tbsp of herbs per 1/4 cup but you can use more of less for your needs.  You will want to check on your oil often and add more water as it evaporates.

2. Remove from heat and strain olive oil using a sieve.   

A slower (more natural) way to infuse oils:
1.  Place herbs in a mason jar and fill with oil.
2.  Place jar in the sun for 1 week (or longer).  I normally keep mine in the sun (and moon) for up to 2 months before using them.

*All of the ingredients and containers needed for this chest rub can be purchased at Mountain Rose Herbs or from Amazon.

Disclaimer: The information in this post is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please do your own research.  Affiliate links have been included in this post.  This means that I will get a small percentage of sales if you purchase through clicking from this site.  This is at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for your support of this blog and my family.

Subscribe To Our Mailing List

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

Status/Active or Not

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent... and Bathroom Cleaner

Thank you for visiting our site today!  
We would love for you to sign up for our email list and 
join our Facebook page so that you don’t miss any updates!

Like anything homemade I use, I research and research before settling on a recipe.  It was no different with my homemade dishwasher detergent (that also doubles as a bathroom cleaner).  

I didn't want one with borax, but couldn't seem to find one that worked.  One day I finally decided that almost anything I make myself is better than the chemicals found in store-bought detergent. I decided that I would rather control what goes into my detergent than trust a big name company.  I'm happy with the decision I made, and I really love this dishwasher detergent (even if it does contain borax).  

What you'll need:

1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/4-1/2 cup salt (if you are using course salt, use 1/2 cup)

What you'll do:

1.  Mix all ingredients into a medium size bowl then pour into a container for storage.  A mason jar works great, or you could also use a plastic container with a lid.

2.  Because this recipe contains citric acid, it will clump.  Therefore, you will need to leave it on your counter for 3 days after you make it and stir it a few times a day (I just stir mine every time I walk by it).  After the third day it should be clump free.  Simply put a tight fitting lid on it and store it away.  

How to use your detergent:

• Use 1 tablespoon per load of dishes.  I usually put almost 1 T in the main compartment and then just a small bit in the pre-wash compartment.  You can use a heaping tablespoon if you feel you need it.
• You can also sprinkle 1 tablespoon in your toilet or shower before cleaning them.  I also add vinegar to my toilets and shower before I scrub them.

Notes about this detergent:

• Since borax is harmful if swallowed, you will need to keep it out of reach of children (or anyone else who enjoys taste testing cleaners). 
• You want to make sure there is no detergent left after your wash cycle.  This is true with any detergent because you don't want to ingest any.
• This detergent will clump if you expose it to moisture.  If that happens just stir it very well with a fork to get the clumps out.
• I've been using this recipe for months now with very little problem.  I always rinse dishes before I put then in the dishwasher.  I also have a very powerful dishwasher.

Homemade Ezekiel Bread (Fasting Bread) Recipe

Thank you for visiting our site today!  
We would love for you to sign up for our email list and 
join our Facebook page so that you don’t miss any updates!

Last week I was honored to guest post over at The Prairie Homestead.  Here is an excerpt:

Ezekiel bread derives its name from Ezekiel 4:9 when God instructed Ezekiel to fast by only eating bread made from wheat, barley, beans, lentils, and millet.  Ezekiel bread is very filling and perfect for fasting, losing weight, snacking, or breakfast.  If you have a young (or old) picky eater in the house, this is an excellent bread to have around.  It truly is delicious, and it's packed with protein and nutrients.  It is also a batter bread, which means there is no kneading, so it's very easy to make.

To finish reading (and get the recipe) click here!

Homemade Natural Stick Deodorant

Thank you for visiting our site today!  
We would love for you to sign up for our email list and 
join our Facebook page so that you don’t miss any updates!

Last week I was honored to guest post at The Humbled Homemaker.  Check it out:

I've been using aluminum free natural deodorant since I was a teenager.  My dermatologist recommended it for several different reasons, and I have never looked back.  To see why I use aluminum free deodorant check out this post.  

I have tried the crystal stick that you have to wet before you put on, vegetable based deodorants, and a popular brand that can be purchased at your local store.  After years of using the above with little to no success and thinking about the benefits of homemade anything, I decided to make my own. It has been such a fun and easy experience (not to mention very frugal)!

I started with this recipe and really loved it, but my mom and sister refused to use it since it must be applied with your fingers.  So, I set out to find a recipe that works like the typical deodorant bar.  After searching the web, getting testers to constructively criticize, and doing my own tweaking, I finally came up with a recipe that actually works and goes on smoothly.

To read the rest of this post click on over to The Humbled Homemaker.
BUT BEFORE YOU DO... Have you seen the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle Sale?  You can get more recipes like this one for a LOW price.  Click the eBooks below for more details!

Not interested in making your own deodorant but sill want some?  Check out all of our products here and purchase them here.