Edible Forest: Indian Cucumber Root

I have to confess. Sometimes I am scared to try new foods in the forest because I have so many digestive problems from damage caused by Celiac Sprue...but the wild woman in me can not help but want to learn about every single plant that grows around my cabin. Today my curiosity took a stronger hold and I decided to actually take a taste of the Indian Cucumber root.

These are pictures of the Indian Cucumber plant, growing wild in the woods - since it is the Fall season the plants are looking less then perfect (in the Spring they look more healthy and vigorous).

The multi-leafed plant shoots up a smaller tower of less leaves where it flowers and makes this little dark 'berry' (see below), which I assume is the seed case. (I doubt that seed berry is edible, does anyone know for sure? DO NOT eat anything in the wild unless you know without doubt it's edible!)

You can use just your fingers to dig up the root, which isn't all that deep into the ground. The root is very tiny though so it takes a lil' care to make sure you find it.

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Bright white and just like it's name sake... it tastes ALOT like a cucumber! In fact, it tastes just like a cucumber but with a really delicious sweet flavor added to it....

mmmmmm.....

so good.....

I go cross eyed.

Thank you tiny cucumber for helping me overcome my fear of trying random edibles in the forest.

Read more info on the INDIAN CUCUMBER ROOT here.

xoxoxoxo

Eat Ya' (Dandelion) Greens

YOu know what's crazy about dandelions? They sell these in the grocery & online as a gourmet green, and powdered forms of the root mushed into pills for liver support... yet it's probably growing in just about everyone's backyard, or at least a few steps away. And since no one seems to covet this fantabulous flowering plant, no one will care if you pick it! Steam it, dry it, use it for medicine, or even a roasted alternative coffee ingredient.

It's only drawback is a man-made one, and that is some people spray their lawns with chemicals and fertilizers that will make ya sick if you eat from their plentiful weeds... so if you dont know the area/source lean towards caution and don't eat it.
The smaller younger leaves are the least bitter, so depending on your taste size does matter. Speaking of which, the scientific name for dandelion, Taraxacum would make the most awesome porn star name when broken down...... in case this career is in my future I am going to claim a grassroots copyright on this ---> Tara X Acum.

So, aside from that digression - I put my dandelion greens on top some salmon to steam with veggies and rice noodles! MmmmMmMmm.
Xoxoxo