Syracuse Urban Food Forest: Foraging Guide Book
About SUFFP The Syracuse Urban Food Forest Project (SUFFP) is a collaboration between SUNY ESF and Syracuse University (SU) to “examine the connections between ecological and human systems in the urban forests along the City of Syracuse’s southwest side” SUFFP is led by food studies professor Anne Bellows and ESF professors Stewart Diemon and Matthew Potteeiger, and involvement in SUFFP extends to SU and ESF graduate/undergraduate students, Syracuse community members, local business owners, and more. While the City of Syracuse experiences high rates of poverty, food insecurity, and chronic health issues, the role of food forests and the number of edible plants that can be harvested for human consumption and other purposes may be a viable solution. SUFFP explores how to ethically forage and engage in the community and the challenges in management of a food forest, including funding, vandalism, water access, and invasive species. Get Involved! Follow SUFFP on social media platforms to find out more about foraging and upcoming events in the local Syracuse area.
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Instagram @syracuseurbanfoodforest https://www.instagram.com/syracuseurbanfoodforest/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Syracuse-Urban-Food-Forest-Project-109489594547379
Table of Contents About SUFFP
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FALL
Foraging Tips
4
Sumac
17
Wild Grapes
18
Pawpaw
19
Watermint
20
SPRING Ramps
6
Wild Onions
7
Dandelion Greens
8
Burdock Root
9
Maple Sap
10
SUMMER Black Raspberries
12
Blackberries
13
Cattail
14
Elderberry
15
WINTER White Cedar
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Spruce
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Rosehips
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Watercress
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Foraging Tips Practice sustainable harvest with these tips: 1. The Honorable Harvest: It is a traditional Indigenous practice that applies to every exchange between people and Earth. They are a set of guidelines to ensure there is no exploitation of nature and that the land will remain just as rich for future generations. (See Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer for more information) 2. Use the Rule of Three: a.) 1/3 of plant to harvest b.) 1/3 of plant growth to leave for animals to consume c.) 1/3 of plant growth to leave for ecosystem health and regrowth 3. Consider the plant’s conservation status: a.) For endangered or threatened species, take no more than 10% of plant growth, or choose an entirely different plant to harvest 4. If you are unsure of proper identification, search the web or use plant identification apps: a.) iNaturalist https://apps.apple.com/us/app/inaturalist/id421397028 b.) PictureThis- Plant Identifier https://apps.apple.com/us/app/picturethisplant-identifier/id1252497129 c.) Seek https://apps.apple.com/us/app/seek-by-inaturalist/id1353224144
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Spring
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Ramps Common name
Usages
Ransoms, wild leeks
Allium tricoccum var. tricoccum (wider leaves and red stems) / allium tricoccum var. burdickii (narrow-leaf or white ramps)
Can use the leaves and bulbs… work in a compound butter, pesto. Can be used as you would use onions, green onions, leeks, chives and garlic, although ramps are more potent.
Origin Eastern North America, from Georgia to Canada
Optimal time of harvest
Scientific name
Fun Fact Considered a spring tonic in the Appalachians.
Early April-Mid May Where to find underneath dense deciduous forest canopy soil that’s rich with organic matter. What part to forage Cut off at the base of the plant. Do not disturb the roots for a sustainable harvest Warning! Do not pick dangerous Lily of the Valley or False Hellebore by mistake. Ensure your ramps smell like garlic/onion.
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Wild Onions Scientific name Allium schoenoprasum Origin Europe, Asia, and North America Fun Fact Wild onions may be used as a natural pesticide as they contain sulfur compounds that ward off insects Usages May be eaten raw or cooked, or you may dry them for later use. Nutritional Information Vitamin C and small amounts of other vitamins, minerals, and some carbohydrates.
Optimal time of harvest Spring until late summer Where to find The onions grow just about anywhere along the forest floor or in a pasture. They can thrive in full sun as well as in shady areas among the trees, and along creek beds. What part to forage The whole plant may be used: from bulb to the tips of the leaves. Flowers may be harvested as well and used to garnish dishes. The flowers eventually turn into a hard, nutlike seed that can be eaten raw or cooked into dishes. Warning! Be careful of “Crow’s Poison” (Nothoscordum bivalve). This plant looks almost identical to wild onions but lacks the onion/garlic smell. This plant is mildly toxic. 7
Dandelion Greens Scientific name
Usages
Taraxacum officinale
Dried leaves can be used for teas or stews. Can use the leaves for salads or pesto. Use the flowers for tea or eat them raw in salads. Make dandelion wine. Make dandelion fritters. Roots can be used as a coffee substitute or prepare them as you would a carrot or parsnip. In terms of medicinal uses, dandelions can help aid digestion, help treat UTIs, improve kidney and liver function, and help stimulate the appetite.
Origin Native to Europe and brought to the United States by European settlers on the Mayflower Fun Fact Dandelions thrive in many different types of climate and can be found in all seven continents.
NEED FILL Optimal time of harvest Spring and Fall. Dandelions should be picked later in the morning when the blooms are completely open and dry. Where to find Lawns, gardens, parks, meadows, pastures, and disturbed areas. 8
What part to forage All parts of the plant are edible.
Burdock Root Scientific name Arctium minus Origin Europe Fun Fact Considered an invasive species. Usages Burdock roots have been used as a blood purifier, digestive aid, and to treat chronic skin problems. The stems may be added to stir fries, soups, pot pies, and other hot dishes (similar to celery). The flower stalk should be peeled, and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Nutritional Information Stimulates the digestive tract, acts as a mild laxative, and has mild diuretic properties.
Optimal time of harvest Spring - Fall. Burdock stalks should be harvested before the plant flowers (mid to late Spring). Where to find Open fields, along trails and roads. What part to forage Stem: cut the stem from the plant and peel off the outer skin. Leaves: harvest when the leaves have nearly reached full size. Flower stalk: harvest when the stem is nearly full-grown. Roots: use a shovel along the root… do not pry the root out with the shovel. Instead, keep digging until you’ve reached the tip and then carefully loosen the root out by hand. Avoid picking unrotten and unripe grapes- go for the dark blue ones.
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Maple Sap Scientific name Acer Origin Asia Fun Fact Approximately 14.29 million gallons of maple syrup was produced in Canada in 2020. Usages The sap may be boiled to produce maple syrup. Maple syrup may then be used to make candy, etc. Maple wood is used to make furniture and instruments.
Nutritional Information Rich in sucrose and manganese.
Optimal time of harvest late Winter Where to find Typically found in cooler climates. What part to forage The sap. A tree should be at least 10 inches in diameter in order to tap. A second tap may be added for trees with a diameter between 20 and 25 inches, and a tree should never have more than three taps. Drill a hole in the tree about 2 inches long and tap the spout (lightly) into the hole until it is tight and cannot be pulled out by hand. Next, hang your bucket below the spout to collect the sap and cover.
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Summer
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Black Raspberries Scientific name Rubus occidentalis Origin North America Fun Fact Not to be confused with blackberries: black raspberries are smaller in size and when plucked off the stem, have a hollow core (as opposed to blackberries where the stem stays intact in the core of the berry). Usages Can be used in pies, pastries, etc., or eaten raw.
Nutritional Information High in Vitamin C, fiber, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants.
Optimal time of harvest Early summer (season lasts about three weeks). Depends on the region as well. Where to find Along roadsides, wooded areas, and near fresh water. What part to forage Berries 12
Blackberries Scientific name Rubus spp. Origin North America, Europe, Armenia, and Northern Iran. Fun Fact Considered an invasive species. Usages May be used to make wines, jellies, tea, used in pies, etc.
Optimal time of harvest Late summer Where to find Sunny wastelands, borders between woods and fields. What part to forage Berries and leaves.
Nutritional Information Vitamins K, E and C, folate, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and copper.
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Scientific name Typha, Typha latifolia (broad leaved cattail) or Typha angustfolia (narrow leaved cattail) Origin Found in temperate and cold regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres
Source © flickr/dendroica
Cattail
Fun Fact Cattails are a perennial plant that can grow up to 10 feet. The plant (stem and leaves) were used for furniture bottoms, baskets and mats. During World II the downy seeds were used to stuff life jackets and can also be used to stuff mattresses and pillows. Usages Roots: grill, bake, or boil the root and eat similar to an artichoke. Cattail: Strip the starch away from the fibers with your teeth“cattail corn on the cob” boil and serve with butter. Cattail pollen shoots and stalks: can boil and serve like asparagus or eat them fresh with peanut butter Nutritional Information Cattail pollen is high in protein. It contains beta carotene, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin C. Individuals with Celiac disease should not ingest cattails. 14
Optimal time of harvest Roots: Fall and Winter Cattail: Spring while they are still green and hidden in the leaves Cattail Pollen- end of June Where to find Near lakes, ponds, and marshes What part to forage Every part of the plant is edible. Warning! Do not confuse a cattail with an Iris which may grow in the same area. An iris is a common flowering plant that contains a toxic chemical called irisin. Rule of thumb: look for the distinctive cigar-shaped
Elderberry Common name elderberry or elderflower Scientific name Sambucus nigra L. ssp. Canadensis or Sambucus canadensis Origin Europe Fun Fact An individual tree can grow up to 30 feet tall. Usages Elderberries must be cooked! Can be baked into pastries, used to make syrup, or dried. Can be used to fight cold symptoms if made into a syrup.
Nutritional Information Contains Vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, sterols, and flavonoids.
Optimal time of harvest What part to forage
late-spring or early summer
Only the berries! The leaves, stems, bark and roots are toxic.
Where to find along streambanks, damp woods, open fields, old homestead sites, and power line cuts. What part to forage
Warning!
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Fall
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Sumac Scientific name Rhus lanceolata, Rhus glabra, Rhus copallinum Origin Western Asia and the Mediterranean region. Fun Fact Sumac is a common spice in the Middle East. Usages Dried berries may be used as a seasoning/spice. Use the berries for “sumac-ade:” soak the berries in cold water for at least 10 minutes and (optional) leave overnight in the refrigerator. Strain before drinking.
Optimal time of harvest Early summer; late July through mid-September
Nutritional Information
Where to find
Minor traces of vitamins and antioxidants.
Along roads, in fields, and the edges of woods. What part to forage Berries. Cut right where the staghorn meets the branch. Warning! White sumac berries are toxic.
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Wild Grapes Common name Fox grape, summer grape, riverbank grape
Scientific name Vitis labrusca (fox grape), vitis aestivalis (summer grape), vitis riparia (riverbank grape) Origin Many grape varieties originate from North America, Central Europe, the Mediterranean region, and southwestern Asia. Fun Fact There are over 60 different species in North American and some varieties are known to live over 400 years. Usages Wine, jam, juice, raisins, etc. Leaves can be used for stuffed grape leaves or it can be eaten raw or cooked in salads
Nutritional Information Contains vitamins B1, B6, C, manganese and potassium. The grape seed and leaf contain the richest concentration of antioxidants.
Optimal time of harvest After the first (light) frost the grapes should be sweeter… around late August and September. Where to find Found along streams, ponds, roads, and in open woods. What part to forage Harvest the grapes themselves or the leaves Warning! Avoid picking unrotten and unripe grapes- go for the dark blue ones.
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Pawpaw Scientific name Asimina triloba. Origin Native to the United States Fun Fact Largest North American fruit. Cross between a banana, mango, and pineapple. Usages Desserts, pawpaw bread, also can be fermented. Stay away from pawpaw fruit leather.
Nutritional Information Good source of protein, Vitamin C and A, and contains essential amino acids.
Optimal time of harvest end of August through October. Where to find Thrives in wettish areas like river bottoms. Can also be found in drier areas. What part to forage Fruit/seeds
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Watermint Scientific name Mentha aquatica Origin Europe Fun Fact Water mint is highly effective for erosion control. Usages May be used in a tea to calm the nerves or stomach problems. Watermint has a strong, distinctive peppermint fragrance that may be used in salads or cooked dishes. Can be used as a natural mouthwash.
Nutritional Information High in Vitamins A and E
Optimal time of harvest April - October. Where to find Near or in water or in damp woodlands. What part to forage Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Source © flickr/phil_sellens
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Winter
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White Cedar Common name
Usages
Eastern cedar, Arborvitae, Swamp cedar, Eastern thuja, Grandmother cedar
Green, flat, scale-like foliage can be used medicinally as a tea to treat mild coughs and colds and soaked in warm baths to release its strong, bright smell. Inner bark can be eaten fresh or dried as a flour.
Scientific name Thuja occidentalis Origin Eastern Canada and Northeastern US Fun Fact White cedar has numerous medicinal and physical uses and has long been used by Native Americans. It has been
Nutritional Information Contains vitamins A & C
Optimal time of harvest Leaves are good all year round, but especially in winter because they are retained. Inner bark should be collected in spring Where to find Found primarily in swampy areas and around bodies of water What part to forage
Source © flickr/wackybadger
Leaves and inner bark for edible/medicinal purposes. Outer bark and wood for physical uses as a raw material Warning! White cedar contains the neurotoxin thujone, which is harmful when ingested in large quantities. 22
Spruce Scientific name
Usages
Picea abies
May be used to make tea. Other usages include infused vinegars or alcohol, or used in prepared salts and sugars, as well as sauces and glazes for meats, fish, and vegetables.
Origin Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe Fun Fact
In the mountains of western Sweden, scientists have found a Norway spruce tree, nicknamed Old Tjikko, which by reproducing by layering, has reached an age of 9,550 years and is claimed to be the world’s oldest known living tree. Nutritional Information High in vitamin C
Optimal time of harvest Winter Where to find They can be found anywhere, look for Spruce trees and its distinct leaves. What part to forage Pine needles. Look for the most outwardbranching lengths on the lower part of the tree and bend them backwards, then tear from the older growth.
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Rose Hips Common name
Origin
Rose haw, Rose hep
Most rose species are native to Asia, while a few are native to North America
Scientific name Several species of the genus Rosa
Fun Fact Rose hips form after the rose blooms have fallen. They are in the same family as apples and crabapples and have a similar taste Usages The fruit can be eaten raw and has a tart taste; can be cooked into jellies, sauces, syrups, and soups; and can be dried to make rose hip tea or crushed seasoning
Optimal time of harvest Fall to early winter, after the first light frost for the sweetest taste Where to find
Nutritional Information Great source of vitamin C
Rose bushes grow in fields, disturbed areas, thickets, and along trails What part to forage Remove the fleshy, red to orange fruit that are round or oblong in shape and have wispy green “hairs” at the bottom. Remove the hairy, fibrous seeds before consuming if desired. Warning! Avoid using commercially cultivated rose bushes that have been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
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Source © flickr/dhwright
Watercress Scientific name
Nasturtium officinale Origin Native to Europe and Asia and is commonly found throughout the U.S., southern Canada, Europe, and Asia Fun Fact Watercress has a spicy peppery flavor. It is Traditionally used to treat coughs, gout, and arthritis Usages It can be used raw in salads or cooked and used however you would use a mustard green.
Optimal time of harvest Spring and Fall Where to find
Nutritional Information rich in Vitamin C (48% of DV), Vitamin A (64% of DV), Vitamin B6 (10% of DV), Vitamin K (208% of DV), and Calcium (9% of DV)
Shallow cool running water What part to forage All parts of the plant are edible. Cut at the stem. Warning! If eating it raw, you must be sure the water where it was harvested from is safe! Otherwise you risk eating harmful parasites, pathogens, and toxins.
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This foraging guide book was created by Vi Pham, Anna Gugerty, Danielle Corsan, Phoebe Ambrose in collaboration with the Syracuse Urban Food Forest Project (SUFFP) for FST 402: Urban Food Systems at Syracuse University.
