Wild Snacks for Adventure

There is nothing quite like enjoying wild food outdoors. Whether you head out on a walk in the backyard or go on a month-long expedition, there are simple ways to put a little of the outdoors into your adventure snacks. You can flavor tea or crackers with dried flowers and herbs, add some greens to your ramen or dehydrated dinner, and make the most of edible mushrooms and berries that you find along the path.

FORAGED TEA

A thermos of tea on a hike or at the end of a day in the backcountry hits the spot. Make your own tea from dried flowers and herbs or use fresh plants and berries you find on your adventures. Some of my favorite flavors include Labrador tea leaves, fireweed flowers, rose petals, wild sage, mint, and lowbush cranberries.

CRACKERS

Making your own crackers is an easy, great way to take wild flavors on your next adventure. I started doing it with bread dough that didn’t rise. Some wild flavors you can add include dried flowers, wild sage, crushed juniper berries, and dried blueberries. Have fun experimenting.

DRIED GREENS

Dry some of your favorite wild greens to add to ramen, soups, or dehydrated meals. They don’t weigh much and add extra nutrition, color, and texture. You can also use fresh greens when you find them. I love collecting nettles and then cooking them into my camp dinners.

WILD MUSHROOMS AND BERRIES

Collecting fresh berries, mushrooms, and other foraged goodies is one of the best things about spending time outdoors. A handful of fresh berries is delicious. You can also add them to oatmeal, pancakes, and camp desserts. Take along a little extra olive oil or butter to sauté fresh mushrooms and add them to a dinner or enjoy them on top of your crackers.

Editors’ Note: Alaska has a bounty of edible plants and some of them resemble toxic plants. Take care to learn before you harvest. We recommend foraging first with a knowledgeable wild harvester, and consulting experts and guidebooks frequently. Check our archives for detailed articles on wild edibles, including spruce tips, berries, and mushrooms.