When you’re out wandering in the woods trying to gather sources of protein, you should be looking for edible plants and nuts. While the types of edible plants and nuts will vary in different regions of the world, it’s helpful to do some preliminary research on the Internet. However, some common plants with high percentages of protein include: wild spinach (50 percent), wild lettuce (36 percent) and seaweed (26 percent).
Probably one of the easiest sources of protein to identify in the woods is nuts, especially since you can follow the experts who specialize in gathering these nutritious treats: squirrels and chipmunks. Acorns, which come from oak trees, are among one of the oldest foods known to man – just like chestnuts, Pilgrims used to roast acorns in underground chambers. An added plus is that this small snack is equivalent to a complete vegetable protein. The varieties of nuts are endless, but some edible ones include: beechnuts, chestnuts, black walnuts, butternuts, hickory nuts, pecans and pine nuts. So keep your eyes peeled and make friends with the woodland creatures.
If you’re used to getting your vitamins and minerals from a daily dose of orange juice in the morning, eating a dandelion might not be that much different – at least they are both yellowish orange in color. To prevent scurvy (deficiency in vitamin C, which leads to liver spots and spongy gums), eat a dandelion – preferably one that has not been near a lawn sprayed with chemicals. While its flower and leaves may be bitter in its raw state, you can cook them over a fire for a richer flavor similar to Italian greens. In addition to dandelions, vitamin C can be found in rose hips, which bears a reddish orange, berrylike fruit.
Even a tree can be a valuable tool for survival. Peeling back the bark can expose a tender, sweet inside, which is a good source of minerals. Also the sap from trees such as a birch tree can be a sugary treat, which will provide a quick release of energy.
Because it’s difficult to detect whether or not certain mushrooms and berries are poisonous, it’s best to avoid them. However, if you’re confident in identifying the edible ones, the bearberry, elderberry, blueberry, high-bush cranberry and serviceberry are safe.
It’s possible to sustain a balanced diet of protein, fruits and vegetables in the wild; however, in case living off of the land is not your forte, camping and hiking can still be accomplished while maintaining a vegetarian or vegan diet. Packing foods like peanut butter sandwiches, nuts, fruits and protein bars are some light items that can be carried in your pack that will help keep you energized.
Whether you forage for food or pack supplies, sustaining yourself in the wild is a challenging task, but the variety of edible plants, nuts and fruits in the wild prove that it’s not necessary to kill an animal to meet your protein needs. Gathering vegetarian foods in the wilderness may require a keen eye, but you can breathe easily knowing that you would not have to lower your vegetarian or vegan morals simply in an effort to survive.
