Podcast Summary
Exploring the Connection Between Food and Nature: Embrace the transformative power of reconnecting with nature and understanding where our food comes from, even in urban environments.
Reconnecting with nature and understanding where our food comes from can be a transformative experience. Alexis Nicole Nelson, a forager, cook, and environmental scientist, shares her journey from becoming vegetarian at a young age to embracing foraging and veganism. Her experiences highlight the importance of being mindful of our food sources and the natural world around us. Even in urban environments, there are opportunities to find and grow food. By opening our eyes to the possibilities, we can lead more sustainable and fulfilling lives. As Alexis puts it, "food growing outdoors, free, that's the most natural thing that could exist." So, whether you're just starting to explore your relationship with food or are already an avid forager and gardener, there's always something new to learn.
Foraging: A Fun and Rewarding Activity: Foraging combines science and art to identify and harvest wild edible plants, connecting with nature, community, and offering a sense of adventure and discovery.
Foraging is a fun and rewarding activity that combines science and art to identify and harvest wild edible plants in any environment. Forager Alexis Nicole Nelson defines it as a way to satisfy both the logical and creative sides of the brain, as well as a means to enjoy delicious and free food. Whether you live in a forest or downtown Columbus, there are always opportunities to forage, and the experience can be as simple as picking magnolia blossoms from a city park or as complex as identifying and preparing wild mushrooms. Foraging not only provides a way to connect with nature and your community, but also offers a sense of adventure and discovery. So next time you're out and about, keep an eye out for edible plants and give foraging a try! Alexis recently foraged American persimmons from a neighborhood park, and encourages everyone to explore their surroundings and enjoy the wild food that can be found wherever they live.
Start small and learn one plant or mushroom at a time: Approach foraging with caution, learn gradually, and build your knowledge one identification at a time to deepen your connection to nature
Foraging, whether it's a lifelong passion or a new hobby, should be approached with caution and a willingness to learn. For those who didn't grow up with the knowledge, it can be intimidating to identify plants and mushrooms, especially when safety is a concern. The expert advice is to start small, learn one plant or mushroom at a time, and only consume what you're 100% sure of. Fear of making a mistake is a natural part of the learning process, but it's important not to let it hold you back. Each new identification builds your understanding of the environment around you and fosters a deeper connection to nature. Recognizing familiar plants in new environments can bring a sense of excitement and familiarity, making the world feel a little less isolated. So, whether it's a fig tree in Los Angeles or a prickly pear cactus in the Midwest, take the time to learn and grow your knowledge one plant at a time.
The disconnection between humans and nature worsened with industrialization and technology: Appreciate the beauty of wild-looking plants as a reminder of nature's importance, despite our increasing disconnection due to industrialization and technology.
The disconnection between humans and nature began with the agricultural revolution when people focused on productive crops and domesticated animals, relegating other plants and animals to less importance. This mild disconnection worsened with the industrial revolution, as people moved to cities and became less interactive with nature. Now, with advancements in technology allowing for year-round access to certain foods, we are more disconnected than ever. The speaker's appreciation for wild-looking plants, like passion flowers, serves as a reminder of the beauty and importance of nature that we may have lost touch with.
Rediscover nature through foraging: Foraging connects us to nature, reduces anxiety, provides historical insight, and offers mental and physical health benefits
Foraging for wild plants and connecting with nature can help rebuild a sense of connection and provide mental and physical health benefits. In today's modern world, many people have lost touch with the natural cycles of agriculture and the identification of different types of plants. Foraging offers a way to rediscover this knowledge and reconnect with nature, even in urban environments. It can be a meditative practice that helps reduce anxiety and provides a sense of normalcy and grounding. Additionally, foraging can also serve as a way to understand history and our past, as different plants hold cultural and historical significance. Overall, foraging is more than just a way to find food; it's a way to reconnect with nature and ourselves.
Plant migration and human history: Many non-native plants arrived due to human migration and immigration, some became invasive but not all, the distinction between native and invasive is complex, and plant migration reflects rich human experiences.
The presence and spread of non-native plants in various cities and regions is deeply interconnected with human history, particularly with migration and immigration. Many non-native plants were brought over by people who couldn't find certain ingredients or foods in local grocery stores or who wanted to grow familiar plants from their homeland. Some of these plants have become invasive, but not all of them are. The distinction between native and invasive plants is not always clear-cut, and it's important to remember that every plant, native or non-native, exists in a complex web of relationships and ecological roles. The history of plant migration reflects the rich and diverse human experiences of moving from place to place and adapting to new environments.
Understanding the difference between non-native and invasive plants: Recognize native species while enjoying benefits of non-native plants, join local communities to learn about foraging, and promote harmony with nature.
The distinction between non-native and invasive plants is an important one to consider when interacting with nature. Non-native plants, like humans, are simply present in a new environment, while invasive plants displace native species and cause harm. Dandelions, for example, are often labeled as invasive but actually help reclaim spaces and aerate soil. For those interested in foraging, joining local Facebook groups is a great way to learn about what's in season and connect with others in the community. It's important to remember that the outdoors belong to everyone, regardless of appearance or background. By recognizing and uplifting native species while still enjoying the benefits of non-native plants, we can all contribute to a more harmonious relationship with nature.
Reconnecting with our ancestral practice of foraging: Foraging is a valuable hobby with historical significance, promoting diversity and education in outdoor spaces.
Everyone can benefit from reconnecting with our ancestral practice of foraging, regardless of race or age. Foraging is a hobby that has been passed down through generations, and it's important for us to recognize and appreciate its historical significance. However, it's essential to remember that diversity is crucial in outdoor spaces to avoid echo chambers and limited worldviews. The Black Forager, for instance, uses her platform to remind us that people of color have been and continue to be a part of the foraging community. Interactions with people who are unfamiliar with foraging can sometimes be surprising or even apprehensive, but they present opportunities for education and curiosity. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can help break down barriers and broaden the horizons of those around us.
Learning from trusted sources for safe foraging: To ensure safe foraging, learn from reliable sources like books by experts and trusted online content from individuals with a deep love for wild plants.
Reconnecting with the natural world and appreciating traditional knowledge, including foraging, is essential but requires caution and respect. The natural world can be delightful and delicious, but also icky and potentially dangerous. It's important to learn from trusted sources and approach foraging with a deep love and reverence for the environment. Unreliable sources, such as generative AI, can lead to dangerous consequences. Some recommended trusted sources for learning about foraging include books by authors like Sam Thayer, Ellen Zacos, John Callis, and Ellen Virgo, as well as online content from Linda Black Elk, also known as ChubbyForager on TikTok. These individuals have a deep love for wild plants and can provide valuable information and insights.
Connecting with Experts in Indigenous Foodways and Plant Knowledge: Learn from experts like Linda Black Elk and Pascal Boudart to deepen understanding and appreciation of natural world. Engage with resources and expand knowledge.
Learning from this episode of How to be a Better Human is the importance of connecting with and learning from experts in the field of preserving indigenous foodways and plant knowledge. Alexis Nicole Nelson, today's guest, emphasized the value of resources like Linda Black Elk and Pascal Boudart, who have made significant contributions to this area. By reading their works and engaging with them, one can discover new resources and expand their knowledge. For those on the West Coast, Pascal Boudart is a recommended expert. The episode also highlighted the interconnectedness of the community and the benefits of learning from one another. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of seeking out and learning from experts in order to deepen one's understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Be sure to check out Alexis Nicole Nelson on social media, and stay tuned for more insights on How to be a Better Human. Additionally, the episode was brought to you by Odoo, the affordable all-in-one management software with fully integrated business applications. To learn more and get more done in less time, visit odoo.com/betterhuman.
