Seven days in Baja California Sur exploring edible, medicinal, endemic and rare plants of the region. But not hesitating to stop for waterfalls, hot springs and natural pools. A photo review. All images subject to copyright, Jess Starwood 2021.
Category Archives: Articles
Edges. An Alaskan Journey.
As I start to wrap up my fifth summer of solo travels, I can’t help but look back on the journey so far. Five years ago I hopped in my Subaru and explored through all the western states, traveling alone for the first time in my life. It was eye opening and life-changing, which ledContinue reading “Edges. An Alaskan Journey.”
The Shaman
The shaman put the blindfold over my eyes. Lying on my back, I was instructed to let out a slow deep breath, and then another. Silence settled in, filling every pocket of space around me and I noticed the rhythm of my heartbeat. As the shaman began to shake the rattle nearly at the sameContinue reading “The Shaman”
The Guardians of Mojave
Thank you to the desert for this short story. “The Guardians” The sun lingered, still bright and glaring in the late afternoon yet dipping down past the ridge line of the western bluffs. To the east, the shadows of the cholla and dried shrubs began stretching across the rugged canyon. Dusk was still a fewContinue reading “The Guardians of Mojave”
Call of the Wild (Food)
A food journey. 2008-2020 My life, for the most part, seemed to be pretty typical and average. Degree. Job. Married. House. Fancy car. Up until one life-changing day that I held my two month old first born child, who cried nonstop in my arms for an endless twenty-four hours after an adverse reaction to aContinue reading “Call of the Wild (Food)”
Foraging Baja 2019
“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full ofContinue reading “Foraging Baja 2019”
Desert WILD! Foraging Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
March 12-13, 2022 Explore the edible and medicinal abundance of the Sonoran Desert in the springtime. Our journey will cover the entire foraging process, from desert to table. We will explore the surrounding foothills, canyons and flowing creeks to identify the local wild edible and medicinal plants, learn sustainable and ethical harvesting practices, preparation, preservation,Continue reading “Desert WILD! Foraging Adventure in the Sonoran Desert”
Lemon Rosemary Chicken of the Woods Mushroom
I have found that this normally “dry” wild mushroom is an excellent candidate for sous vide, rather than the usual saute. Add in your favorite herbs and seasonings and its lends an incredibly tender and juicy texture. I was a little disappointed in the small size of my only find of this mushroom so farContinue reading “Lemon Rosemary Chicken of the Woods Mushroom”
Wild Greens and Pinyon Pine Cream Sauce
I think the first “wild food” recipe that I ever made was a nettle pesto. I would speculate, though, that is probably most folks initiation into wild foods. It is abundant, found nearly everywhere, and quite simple to make without messing it up too bad. Success is fairly inevitable. Now, after many years of divingContinue reading “Wild Greens and Pinyon Pine Cream Sauce”
Jess Starwood 