Which Foraging Handbook is Better?

[mr_smoke]

These are the 4 books I'm looking at: ...

The Skillful Forager: Essential Techniques for Responsible Foraging and Making the Most of Your Wild Edibles -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1611804833/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1602396922/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

The Forager's Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976626608/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Nature's Garden: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976626616/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I decided to go with The Forager's Harvest first since it had the most reviews (5,371). Was this a good decision? Which of the four would you have recommended?

 

[Cascadian]

@mr_smoke welcome to the forum. I am in Oregon also. We have an introductions thread where you can tell us a little about yourself if you want to. Foraging is on my list of skills I would like to learn. I don't know anything about foraging but someone will be a long soon.
Edit, I found this

Books on Wild Edible Plants

I’ve read a large number of books in this genera, own several. The two best modern authors are John Kallas Phd. And Samuel Thayer. The old field guide by Elias & Dykeman has a place in my library too. All of these books may have updated copies available, just have to check. My favorite is...

www.homesteadingforum.org

 

[mr_smoke]

"Just because I make stuff up doesn't mean it isn't true." I like that, lol.

 

[BBLife]

I found most books to have too much in that they have plants not in my areas. I do have a number of books but my favorite is the one I created myself. I took pictures of all of the plants around my property and then put them all in a notebook. I labeled where it is, when it grows, etc. I was able to use all of the other books and some apps to find them and write their names and all possible uses. I scanned it all and then indexed it by date of harvestability then printed it out into a nice handbook.

 

[mr_smoke]

I found most books to have too much in that they have plants not in my areas. I do have a number of books but my favorite is the one I created myself. I took pictures of all of the plants around my property and then put them all in a notebook. I labeled where it is, when it grows, etc. I was able to use all of the other books and some apps to find them and write their names and all possible uses. I scanned it all and then indexed it by date of harvestability then printed it out into a nice handbook.

Enchanting!

 

[Peanut]

Your location is the most important consideration when buy books on foraging and medicinal plants.

Different plants in different areas. I'd suggest finding authors/foraging experts who live in your region.

That said there are a few authors with expertise covering most of N. america. You found one already... Samuel Thayer. I have both of his books that you posted.

The other book I'd recommend is By Dr. John Kallas, excellent foraging books with a lot of details and science. Namely nutritional numbers for various plants, even a few recipes and recommend cooking methods. (Edible Wild Plants... Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate, John Kallas PhD)

The author Leda Meredith also has a good reputation in the foraging world.

I don't know any of the foraging pros in the pacific NW. I've heard of a few but don't recall any names...