Edible Plants in the San Bernardino Mountains in Winter

 

 

 

Blackberry leaves - The blackberry bush is a member of the rose family.  The leaves are a source of vitamin C and tannins.

Chickweed - Chickweed is an excellent source of vitamins A, D, B complex, C, and rutin (an accompanying flavonoid), as well as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, sodium, copper, and silica.

Dandelion - Dandelions are nature’s richest green vegetable source of beta-carotene and the third richest source of Vitamin A of all foods. Dandelion also contains high amounts of fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein.

Grass - All grass is edible. It is HIGHLY nutritious. It is best juiced in a wheat grass juicer and drunk because it has such a high fiber content that it is hard for us to digest. If you don't have a juicer, chew the grass, swallow the juices and spit out the pulp.

Mustard greens - Mustard greens have more vitamin A, carotenes, vitamin K and flavonoid anti-oxidants than many commonly consumed fruits and vegetables.  They are in the same family as cabbage, broccoli and brussel sprouts.

Pine bark - Pine bark is an excellent source of pycnogenol, which is a free radical scavenger.  The edible part is the INNER pine bark.  For more information and pictures, see: http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/edible-pine-bark

Pine needles - Pine needles are a wonderful source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. I like the shorter pine needles the best because they have a bit of a lemony flavor.

Stinging nettle - Nettle is rich in Vitamin C and the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E. It is also high in chlorophyll, iron, potassium, magnesium, chromium, and zinc. It is a good source of protein, calcium, Vitamin A, B-complex, and has many trace minerals.

Strawberry leaves - Strawberry leaves are high in Vitamin C.

Wintercress - Wintercress is a member of the mustard family (probably why the two look so much alike).  It is also said to be related to dandelion.  Wintercress is a highly nutritious plant provides plenty of B vitamins, potassium, and calcium.

To take a tour of these very plants in the San Bernardino Mountains, watch the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_Yjk7LKppI