Wildcrafted

Wildcrafted is a popular term these days, but what does it mean to you? What does it DO for you? To me it implies that something is “crafted” from components that came from nature. The internet-search definitions say that wildcrafted is basically wild-harvested. But let’s break it down a bit more.

The term “crafted” brings different images to mind. Some people envision popsicle sticks, yarn, and glue-encrusted small sized scissors. Some people envision an ice-cold beer, crafted with the finest hops! To me a “craft project” implies simple handwork, whereas something crafted means that it is made with superior skills or ingredients. So clearly something “crafted” must be better than ordinary (wink). My pottery is crafted, but more than a craft project.

Wild also conjures many images. Ferocious and untamed. Not controlled. Or maybe just collected from nature, not cultivated.

So when we talk about wildcrafted, we are usually talking about something that is crafted (superior skills or ingredients) from something that is wild (uncultivated). It is often used to describe foraged foods or herbal preparations. There are some benefits of collecting foods and herbs from nature, rather than being farmed or cultivated. The nutritional aspect is that wild native plants usually haven’t been selected for mass farm production, which tends to breed for ease or quantity of harvest. So wild plants may have higher nutrients and a different flavor profile. Another benefit is the presumed lack of pesticides, if one is careful about where they collect!  One aspect of “wildcrafted” that appeals to me is that many wild foods and herbs are free and abundant. I struggle to garden at my place, because of the numerous voles, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, groundhogs, deer… they all want my tasty tender veggies. But there is more than enough wild stuff out there that doesn’t require special cultivation; in fact, some of them are the weeds that I would otherwise pull! Most importantly (to me), wild harvested foods and herbs help me feel both closer to nature and more food secure/independent.

Iowisota has offered "wildcrafting" workshops, including making Kordiall, deer tallow soap, and wildcrafted cocktails.

Wildcrafting should be done responsibly. The goods that we collect should be harvested in a way that is sustainable and doesn’t damage the resource. Collections should be made where it is legal (such as private lands with permission, or public lands on which collection isn’t restricted). Consideration should be given to the abundance/scarcity of the item being collected, and what other creatures also need that resource to survive. For instance, wild rice harvesting is forbidden within the Upper Mississippi Wildlife and Fish Refuge because wild rice is essential to sustain migratory waterfowl. 

Among the many nature-themed workshops we offer here at Iowisota, a few truly fall in the category of “wildcrafted”. On May 16^th, we will have Dwight Zietlow here to teach us how to use wildflowers and natural sugars to make flavorful vinegars, oxymels and sodas. His classes are the epitome of wildcrafting, combining his superior skills with unique wild ingredients. He’s planning to make this one extra fun by serving us a variety of wild flavored sodas, like an old-fashioned soda fountain. This workshop would be a good one to come to with friends.

We will also have Samuel Thayer (renowned foraging author) back at Iowisota on July 18-19 for a mid-summer foraging workshop, plus a bonus backwater plant identification paddle via canoe. This one is sure to fill up; I haven’t promoted it yet, so your reward for reading all the way through the blog is the opportunity to sign up before the masses get word of it! I suggest that people check the Iowisota website often to keep up on what we’re offering, and/or follow Iowisota on Facebook.

To close out this blog, I’ve crafted a wild statement: There is something deeply fulfilling and richly organic about being able to sustain oneself from the wild, from the natural world.  Foraging fills both heart and bowl!