Ever wandered through a forest, stumbled upon unfamiliar berries, and contemplated whether they’d be a tasty treat or cause you discomfort?
Thanks to Dr. John Kallas, those moments of uncertainty can be put to rest. Through his engaging workshops, he imparts knowledge about the vast variety of wild foods that nature offers. He passionately believes that wild foods are just as essential as any other foods and should be incorporated into our everyday meals for a varied diet.
Journey into Wild Food Adventures
As the brains behind Wild Food Adventures, Kallas has curated a series of workshops spanning across the spring and summer. Suitable for both adults and children, these sessions are held at various picturesque locations ranging from Portland to the Oregon coast and the Willamette Valley. Depending on your level of interest, workshops can last anywhere between 3 hours to an immersive 3-day experience.
Whether you’re keen to identify the perfect fiddleheads in the Wild Foods of Forest Park session, spot seaweed varieties like nori and kombu in the Sea Vegetables workshop, unearth the native arrowhead (locally termed Wapato) in the Wapato Island expedition, or indulge in the GingerRoot Wild Food Rendezvous for a weekend, there’s something for everyone!
For those wishing to blend camping with foraging, Wild Food Adventures offers overnight retreats like the GingerRoot Wild Food Rendezvous. It’s an economical choice for families wishing to reconnect with nature. Attendees can pitch their tents or park their camper vans and spend the weekend exploring various ecosystems. You’ll discover edibles ranging from wild peas to the unexpectedly tasty cattail.
The highlight? Two grand feasts that celebrate the bounty of the wild – one exclusively with foraged foods and the other, incorporating wild edibles into traditional dishes. Under Kallas’s guidance, not only will you learn to identify these foods, but you’ll also discover innovative ways to prepare and enjoy them.
Packing Essentials
While most workshops are low on equipment requirements, it’s advised to come prepared with essentials like a sun hat, full-sleeved clothing, insect repellent, and for the devoted foragers, a handy holster for shears and fruit picking tools.
For enthusiasts, Wild Food Adventures offers a range of discounts, catering to young kids, families attending together, Native Americans, Scout Leaders, and college students.
Every session with Wild Food Adventures promises a congenial ambiance, fostering connections and creating lasting memories with fellow participants and family.
After such an experience, you’ll never look at the wild or even your local neighborhood greenery the same way again.
