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Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Invasive species can put our food security at risk, but eating invasive species may help reduce the costs associated with combating invasive species while also boosting food security at the same time.
One drawback however is that this practice may encourage people to leave some of the invasive species remaining for later harvest, which may counter the intended benefits of the practice.
Unlike foraging for native species, where we are encouraged to leave the majority of a plant intact for other foragers and wildlife, the same should not be encouraged when foraging invasive weeds or if hunting invasive animals.
Safety via Education
Safety via Education
"The quickest and safest way to learn foraging is with a local expert. You not only learn what there is to know but do not spend time learning things you don’t need to know. Further, you also get the local angle on plants, important information that is usually not found in foraging books published on a national or even regional level. The local expert can give you insights to climate and species variation. Also with a teacher you get the opportunity to have your identification skills honed and your judgment sharpened. That builds confidence." - Eat the Weeds: Foraging Instructors
Benefits of this Solution
Benefits of this Solution
Improved Food Security
Improved Food Security
"Eating the invader" provides local food source for communities impacted by invasive species.
Some plants and animals can also supply other resources for crafting, textiles, medicine, and even building materials. For example SagaBlocks made from invasive seaweed that builds up along Mexico's beaches, also happen to create very comfortable indoor conditions for people who may not be able to afford heating or cooling.
Invasive Population Management
Invasive Population Management
Managing invasive species population helps to protect crops and other food sources, contributing to lower early-on food waste in the agricultural stages, which generally has higher impacts than food waste later in the process.
Recipes by Invader
Recipes by Invader
Animals
Animals
Seaweed
Seaweed
WARNING: "Avoid any seaweed. Sargassum or otherwise, with blue-green algae on it."- Eat the Weeds
Native range: Japan Sea
Invasive range: Southern California, San Francisco Bay, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, Argentina
Resources
Resources
Key
Key
🐟 Animals
🌱 Plants or Seaweed
Eat The Invaders 🌱🐟 This resource lists problematic invaders, and offers information like where the originated, and where they are considered invasive to help you decide if they need to be removed, as well as recipe suggestions. Most are animals, but there are also plants and even seaweed!
Wikipedia: List of Edible Invasive Species 🌱🐟 only a few list which locations these species are invasive to, and only a few mention which parts are edible. So make sure to cross-reference.
Fish
Fish
Lionfish Predators "Spreading awareness about this invasive species, how to help manage their numbers & Yes! educating just how tasty they are!!!!!"
Plants
Plants
Africa
Africa
Kenya
Kenya
Organizations
Organizations
North America
North America
USA
USA
Florida
Lionfish Predators "Spreading awareness about this invasive species, how to help manage their numbers & Yes! educating just how tasty they are!!!!!"
Education Opportunities
Education Opportunities
International
International
Europe
Europe
North America
North America
Canada
Canada
USA
USA
Maps
Maps
Tilapia
Tilapia
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