John Kallas

As a Master Naturalist, I can say that John Kallas' Edible Wild Plants is an amazing resource for anyone learning to identify wild plants. The numerous color photos of plants and plant parts in different life stages, along with detailed descriptions on how to forage them are incredibly helpful. Added to that the fact that the book is full of recipes for all of the plants you forage, and I can't imagine how it could be a better guide.

One of the things I particularly liked about it was Kallas' inclusion of non-native, sometimes invasive species like Japanese knotweed. It's incredibly important that we remove these plants from natural areas, and finding ways to use them as food seems like a wonderful way to encourage more people to take part in invasive species removal. A great addition to both a field guide and a recipe book collection.… (meer)

I am not quite sure where to begin or how to review this joyful book that has opened my eyes to the culinary delights that can be created from the likes of thistle, nettle and knotweed to the more seemingly friendly pea, fennel, and carrot. I was enamored with the chapter on cattails (guacamole and pancakes!) and appreciated the backstory of today's marshmallow (having been shamefully oblivious to the existence of the "marsh mallow" plant). The book is a delightful blend of botany, ecology, and history. Personally I would be apt to try the recipes with plants harvested by someone else who really can identify these plants in the wild (or grow them myself from sustainably harvested seed). There are plenty of photos and also key information on poisonous knockoffs to be aware of. Kallas' gift and passion for foraging and feasting on edible wild plants is palatable!… (meer)