The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer

A trusted field guide by expert forager Samuel Thayer, The Forager’s Harvest offers detailed insights on edible plant identification, harvesting, and preparation — ideal for beginners and beyond.

Forager’s Harvest edible wild plants book with berries knife and basket in forest camp
Forager’s Harvest edible wild plants book with berries knife and basket in forest camp

The Forager’s Harvest - by Samuel Thayer

The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer is one of the most respected and practical guides for learning how to forage edible wild plants. Thayer goes on a deep dive and examines the most useful and abundant species to give you everything you need to truly understand, find, harvest, and prepare them safely.

He covers how to properly identify edible plants, where to find them, what parts to harvest, and how to prepare them — with plenty of real-world, experience and insights. It’s clear Thayer isn’t just repeating textbook facts; he’s sharing hard-earned foraging wisdom from decades in the field.

This book is especially valuable for beginners because it’s not just about plant ID — it’s also about applying proper judgment and sustainable foraging. The writing is engaging and clear, with no fluff. It teaches you how to truly understand plants, not just memorize facts.

Whether you’re new to foraging or looking to deepen your skills, this book is a trusted classic for a reason. It’s a practical, no-nonsense guide that will help you forage with confidence and care.

Buy it Here: The Forager’s Harvest - by Samuel Thayer