Foraging on the farm!

As you know, Beiler Family Farm produces a lot of amazing farm fresh products!

Nutritious foods like grass-fed meats, raw dairy, and yummy garden grown fruits and veggies are the farm bread and butter.

But did you know? The Beiler's also forage for wild edibles that naturally grow on their homestead!

This really sets Beiler Family Farm apart from any other farm, and further emphasizes how truly knowledgeable and connected they are to the land they call their home.

For the Beiler’s going to the grocery store is something that rarely needs to happen. Instead when they need food they simply go out to their cooler stocked with their beautiful homemade foods, or walk outside and pick from nature's bounty.

Farmer Jonas mentioned to me at this time of year there are so many wild edibles popping up everywhere on their property. His wife Lydia walks outside and forages for wild edibles everyday and includes them in the family meals.

What kind of wild edibles are they foraging you ask?

Well I am here to give you the scoop, check it out!

Wild Violets: 

You may have seen these beauties packed into your bag of mixed greens from the farm last spring. It always brings a smile to my face when I see the violets in my salad mix, it’s just such an extra special touch, and a lovely way to eat seasonally!

Health benefits: Violets are traditionally used as a cough remedy, especially bronchitis, and functions as an expectorant, as well as an anti-inflammatory. (1)

Dandelions:

I always feel bad for dandelions : ( 

So many people attack this amazing medicinal plant and call it a weed, but it is far from it!

Fun Fact: Every part of the dandelion is edible! 

The flowers are flavorful, sweet, and a beautiful addition to baking recipes. The leaves are full of nutrients and great sauted or eaten in a salad. And the roots can be toasted and made into an earthy medicinal herbal tea.

Health Benefits: This plant is seriously packed with tons of health benefits. Some of which include a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, potent antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, benefits for blood sugar management and cholesterol, promotes liver health, aids in weight loss and so much more! (2)

Don’t overlook this humble plant!

These are just two examples of the many wild edibles the Beiler’s forage for. Some others include blueberries, stinging nettle, and a variety of wild mushrooms!

Violets and Dandelions are easily identifiable, common, and something that you can forage for yourself : )

*Always be sure you forage in an area that has not been treated with any chemicals or fertilizers.

And of course you can always get some wild foods from your favorite farm!

Enjoy the food,

Sara 

And the Beiler Farm Team