How to survive the wild by identifying edible berries?

Out trekking in the wild and felt a hunger pang like never before? Here’s a tip that might help you survive the wild when you are camping or going along for a walk. You might have often noticed round berries hanging from the shrubs and branches. While not all of them are edible, some definitely are. And this is how you can identify edible berries around you in the woods and the wild.  

How to identify edible berries in the wild?

If this is your first walk in the wild, then definitely avoid picking up anything unless you are very sure that they are edible. Instead observe the berries. Whenever you are going for a trek, camping or a simple walk, carry a pen and paper with you so that you can quickly jot down descriptions or make a sketch to study it when you reach home. This helps you understand the kind of berries that are available in the area you went and which ones are edible. Moreover, whenever you go to explore the wild, it is better to read up a bit about the place and its flora, so that all your problems can be addressed.

Common berries in the wild

For starters, some of the most commonly available edible berries out in the wild comprise blackberries which come in dark purple to black colours; blueberries which are found in low shrubs surrounded by smooth leaves; mulberries grow on trees and resemble blackberries in look, shape and colour; elderberries are found in umbrella-shaped clusters; while salmon berries come in hues of orange and red, almost like a raspberry. However, you should be careful when it comes to lookalikes. Yes, these berries often seem to have doppelgangers, and they may turn out to be poisonous, if precautions are not maintained.

What must you avoid?

Often resembling blackberries, some are found with red stems. These need to be avoided. Blueberries are sometimes confused with nightshades which are poisonous in nature. Remember elderberries can only become edible when cooked. It must not be eaten in its raw form. Any berries which are white and yellowish in colour must be avoided as they are toxic. If you do take a bite of the berries and find them to have a bitter taste, immediately spit them out as those are not edible berries. Edible berries often grow in smooth and glossy leaves; any berries found otherwise will have to be avoided.

Universal Test?

When you face dire emergencies and have no options, you can carry out the Universal Edibility Test. Pluck a handful and separate it into root, stem, leaf or fruit. Start smelling all that you have collected. If they smell bad, sour, or horrid, immediately discard them. If it clears the smell test, then take a piece to your lips, do not bite or swallow it yet.

Wait for a while to see if there are any reactions. If not, then chew a small piece and wait it out again. If all goes well, then you can proceed with eating a few pieces. However, allergies or health degradation may happen even after you have eaten them. So, while it is being digested, immediately rush out of the forest where you can get help and when required.

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