Foraging Florida: Finding, Identifying, and Preparing Edible and Medicinal Wild Foods in Florida

Paleo-Indians lived more than 14,000 years ago in the land we now call Florida, and later came tribes of indigenous people known as the Ais, Calusa, Mayaimi, Tequesta, Timucua, and others. Still later came the Seminole and Miccosukee. These people were hunter-fisher-gatherers who lived off the bounty of what nature had to offer. Today, foraging wild fruits, nuts, grains, and other edible plant parts has become an active pastime for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the country, but Florida is a forager’s paradise due to the wealth of both temperate and tropical native plants.

In Foraging Florida, local naturalist Roger Hammer highlights edible and medicinal native and naturalized plants found throughout the state, from the far western Panhandle to the island chain of the Florida Keys. The book is organized by plant family so foragers can learn which species are closely related, and it includes a poisonous plant section so novices will know which plants to avoid. Recipes, identification tips, and how to prepare herbal and medicinal teas are offered throughout this forager’s guidebook.

• Detailed description and photos of each plant, including its uses
• Information on toxic lookalikes and cautions
• Recipes to prepare at home and on the trail
• A glossary of botanical terms

Roger L. Hammer is a professional naturalist, botanist, and survivalist instructor for the reality TV show, Naked and Afraid. He received the first Marjory Stoneman Douglas Award from the Florida Native Plant Society and an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Florida International University. He is also the author of Everglades Wildflowers, Central Florida Wildflowers, Wildflowers of the Florida Keys, Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers, Exploring Everglades National Park and The Surrounding Area, and Paddling Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. He lives in Homestead, Florida with his wife, Michelle.