Being able to find food in Swedish nature is a valuable skill, especially in crisis situations where access to food may be limited. If food deliveries to stores were to be interrupted due to a crisis, nature can offer important resources such as berries, mushrooms and wild plants.
On the page Books & Information you will find books about emergency preparedness, survival and cooking in the field, click here to get there. Below you can read about some tips for finding food in the forest.
Nature's treasure trove: berries, mushrooms and wild plants
Sweden's forests are rich in edible resources, especially in late summer and autumn. Berries such as blueberries, lingonberries and raspberries are readily available and nutritious options that can be eaten straight away or preserved for later use. Mushrooms, such as chanterelles, porcini mushrooms and porcini mushrooms, are other popular and tasty finds. However, it is important to be aware of which mushrooms are safe to eat, as some are poisonous.
In addition to berries and mushrooms, there is a wide range of wild plants that are edible and nutritious. Plants such as nettles, wild cabbage and sorrel can be used as vegetables or in soups and salads. Even common weeds that you can find in your garden such as dandelion and pigweed can be tasty and healthy additions to a meal.
Preparation and self-sufficiency
Being prepared for a crisis situation means having basic knowledge about which plants and mushrooms are edible and how to prepare them. By learning to recognize edible plants and berries, you can increase your self-sufficiency and reduce your dependence on the grocery store, which often has imported foods from other countries.
Respect for nature
When looking for food in nature, it is important to respect the environment and the right of way. This means picking in moderation and only taking what is needed, so that nature can continue to provide. In other words, it is good if you find a real "wild strawberry spot", if you do not dig but take so that you can come back. This also saves you from having to look for new places. It is also important to be aware that some plants and mushrooms require the landowner's permission to be picked.
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Berries
Swedish forests are rich in berries, especially during late summer and early autumn. Blueberries, lingonberries and raspberries are common and easy to identify. Remember to avoid berries you don't recognize. -
Mushrooms
Chanterelles, porcini mushrooms and chanterelles are popular and nutritious. It is important to identify the mushrooms carefully, as some are poisonous. Use a mushroom book or app to help you. -
Wild plants :
Plants such as nettles, chervil and sorrel are edible and can be used in salads, soups or as a side dish. Nettles are particularly nutritious and can be cooked into a soup. -
Nuts and seeds :
Hazelnuts can sometimes be found in the forest, especially if you are near a hazelnut grove. They are nutritious and easy to collect. -
Fishing and small game :
If you have the right equipment and knowledge, you can also fish or hunt small game such as hares or birds, but this requires you to follow Swedish hunting and fishing laws.
By integrating knowledge of nature's resources into your everyday life, you can become better equipped to face challenges, while maintaining a respectful relationship with our environment. Using what nature offers is not only practical, but also a way to connect with our roots and ensure our survival in difficult times.
On the page Books & Information you will find books about emergency preparedness, survival and cooking in the field