What to forage in the winter

Plants to look for and how to use them.

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Rose hips have a tangy, fruity flavor that will give whatever you put them in a nice zing.

Photo by Julia Filirovska

Feeling picky? While summer gets a lot of the foraging attention in the Pacific Northwest, winter can be a fruitful time for gathering, too.

Here are a few edible plants that you can still find when the weather is frosty.

Safety note: Never eat a plant you cannot 100% confidently identify. Always bring a guidebook or take a foraging tour with a well-trained guide.

Rose hips | mMost rose hips die in the fall, but the PNW ones hang around a bit longer. They’re high in vitamin C and are excellent ingredients for tea, jellies, and body care products.

Acorns | Yep — these everyday seeds are edible, and can be pretty delicious. After prep work , you can turn them into flour for muffins or grits for a soup .

Yellowfoot chanterelle | While some mushrooms start to retreat in the colder months, these guys love winter. Find them in wet, boggy areas — then fry ‘em up .

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Alina is based in Seattle, WA, but grew up in Clarksville, TN. She has 5+ years of professional journalism experience, but also spent a stint working for public transit in Nashville, TN. You’re likely to find her cruising local beaches for rocks or sailing her 1970s laser when the weather is warm.
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