7 Edible Plants You Can Find in Texas
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Over the years of living in Texas, one of my favorite pastimes has grown to be running along the various trails in the state’s national parks. However, this often comes hand in hand with a big problem — hunger. Trying to concentrate on my pace and the rhythm of my breathing, I can’t help but often get distracted by the loud rumbling in my stomach. Visions of succulent meats come to mind, but I’m usually miles away from the nearest BBQ joint!
By this point, I’ve normally run out of protein bars (how long do protein bars last?) and only have water to sate my hunger. In my rather desperate state, I start looking around me and spot numerous plants along my way, and ask myself, “Can I eat that?” If only I knew then, instead of running back to my car and looking for an ancient pack of Twinkies (how long do twinkies last?) stuffed under the seat (true story!).
After this stomachache of an experience, I’ve come to pay particular attention to the different shrubs, weeds, and berry trees in Texas growing around me on my runs. As a result, I’ve researched the plants and flowers that grow out in the Texan wilderness and are safe for me to eat. Here are seven edible plants native to Texas:
Chickweed
This green weed pretty much grows all over the state of Texas and is a fantastic plant for starting off your foraging journey. The texture of this edible plant can be likened to that of spinach and is great to eat by itself, but it is also surprisingly good in pesto and smoothies, as it gives these mixtures a beautifully thick, creamy quality. It’s one of the most common of Texas wild edibles.
You can also add it to your favorite sandwiches or even burgers! Rich in iron, potassium and a number of key vitamins, chickweed also ticks plenty of health boxes.
Dewberry
Available in North, East, and Central Texas, the wild dewberry is an edible wild plant and is most often seen in berries native to Texas. The taste profile of this berry is similar to that of blackberries, as the fruits are genetically related. But before starting to pick these tantalizing berries, be wary of the prickly thorns that grow on the shrubs yielding them.
They usually spring up on the sides of roads, in thickets, and (of course) by trails. Look out for them growing from late spring till early summer. Dewberries are great if you’re looking to boost your vitamin C intake and load up on some important nutrients, and they taste great too. One of the best wild edibles near me.
Turk’s Cap Mallow
The Turk’s cap, or wax mallow, is commonly seen throughout the state of Texas and is available year-round so long as the growing conditions are warm enough. The flowers, fruit, and young leaves are all edible.
The leaves and flowers can be cooked, boiled into a delicious tea, or eaten raw –– but be prepared to do a lot of chewing! Referred to by some as the Mexican apple, the fruit of the Turk’s cap is similar in taste and texture to, you guessed it, apples. They are versatile and wild edible plants near me and can be found throughout the State. The nutrient content of this plant varies depending on the part consumed. The leaves have a high mineral content, while the flowers are high in antioxidants, and the fruit is rich in vitamin C.
Loquat
The bright yellow fruits of the loquat tree are hard to miss. Originally imported from Asia, they grow all over Texas from late spring through to early summer.
Another edible plants near me, the taste profile of the loquat can be likened to that of an apricot, and though a bit time-consuming to prepare, the fruit goes well in lemonades, syrups, and cocktails. To top it all off, the loquat is packed with vitamin A and trace minerals.
Pink Evening Primrose
Growing wildly in East Texas, the pink evening primrose works beautifully as an unexpected addition to the famous taco salad. The stems and flowers of this plant are wholly edible, as long as the flower hasn’t bloomed yet.
This is because you can get the best flavor out of this wild plant during this part of its growth cycle. Also, be mindful of the seeds from this species –– they certainly aren’t safe for consumption! You’ll usually find the pink evening primrose in fields and ditches all over Texas. As for its nutritional value, it’s rich in calcium, potassium, and fatty acids.
Jujube
Introduced in the early 20th century by the USDA to dry regions of the US such as Texas, the hardy jujube grows practically everywhere within the state. Its flavor can be compared to a mix of plums, pears, and apples.
If you ever get the chance to pick this sweet fruit out in the wild, try drying it and tasting how the flavors transform into a taste similar to that of dates. The jujube is rich in vitamin C and contains a wealth of potassium.
Dandelion
The dandelion is grown all over the US and is considered by many to be a tough weed that ruthlessly plagues your garden. But did you know that it is edible? The flowers and leaves of this hardy plant can be eaten in many ways –– but be prepared; they can be rather bitter! Also, be sure to harvest the leaves from younger plants so that they are still tender enough to consume, either by themselves, boiled in tea, or added to your favorite salad. The dandelion is rich in vitamins K and A, and if you ever decide to drink it as a tea, it acts as a light diuretic.
Whenever you’re out and about in the great Texas outdoors, make sure to keep an eye out for these seven edible plants. Of course, always be careful when foraging in the wild and ensure you have correctly identified what you plan to eat. However, once you’ve familiarized yourself with these plants out on the Texan trails, you can enjoy bringing some home to add to your favorite dishes. If you’re interested in common edible and medicinal plants of Texas, check out this State site.
If you want to begin a mindful eating journey, edible plants can be an excellent way to start. Read more about mindful eating here.
