Program to teach about edible wild plants

Is it safe to eat that? You can find out at the county Natural Resources Department's "Edible Plants" workshop at the Emerson Point Preserve.

From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, resident chefs will teach about the wonderful wild edible plants that are found in Florida, Melissa Cain Nell said.

"If you think of all the people who've lived in Florida, from the pre-Colombian native Americans to the first settlers who founded Bradenton, they did not have Super Publixes and Wal-Marts," Nell said. "They had to find a way to live off the land."

Of course, they don't want people coming into the preserves and taking out plants, since that's illegal, she said, but it's a way to learn how to find and prepare wild-growing food.

Though some people are into raw foods, Nell said, for safety's sake it's best to prepare food. "It's very important when you're dealing with planets, especially wild ones, like any type of cooking, you want to make sure it's cooked all the way," she said.

"One of the things we will be discussing is safety," Nell said. "It's not a good idea to go out into the woods and collect plants" without being aware of what they are.

Participants will sample a variety of plants. "It's like nature's surprises," Nell said. "It's looking at the different ways in which you can use native plants to complement your kitchen."

Reservations are required but no fee will be charged. The program will be held at Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St. W., Palmetto, and is suitable for participants ages 16 and older.

To make a reservation, e-mail Nell or call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 5.