This episode of the Year of Plenty Podcast is a conversation with Clay Bowers, a passionate forager from Northern Michigan. Clay has been foraging for almost two decades and is well respected in the wild food community. The main topic of this conversation is wild, edible milkweed and its culinary versatility throughout the seasons.Use code “yearofplenty” for 15% OFF at www.mtblock.comEpisode Overview:

• Clay's process for researching and familiarizing himself with a new edible species
• Valuable resources and references that have been particularly helpful in Clay’s foraging journey
• A deep dive into milkweed, including its characteristics, ecological significance, historical uses, and the various types of milkweed found in the wild
• Discuss the concerns of toxicity and bitterness of milkweed
• Essential identification factors and potential lookalikes of milkweed, along with the ideal habitats to find this plant
• Clay provides insights into the different parts of milkweed that can be harvested throughout the seasons, as well as his favorite ways to prepare it in the kitchen
• Ramps, another fascinating wild edible, are discussed, including Clay's somewhat controversial thoughts on sustainable ramp harvesting
• A brief discussion about the tools we use for successful foraging trips and foraging best practices Clay has accumulated over the years

Leave a review on Apple or Spotify and send a screenshot to theyearofplenty@gmail.com to receive a FREE EBOOK with my favorite food preservation recipes.NEW BLOG: ULTIMATE FORAGING GEAR LIST - Check it outSupport the podcast via donations:https://www.patreon.com/poldiwielandhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/yearofplentySign up for the newsletter:www.theyearofplenty.com/newsletterSubscribe to the Youtube VLOG:https://www.youtube.com/@yearofplentypodcastDo you follow the podcast on social media yet?IG: https://www.instagram.com/poldiwieland/Twitter: https://twitter.com/theyearofplentyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyearofplenty/Connect with Clay Bowers, Master Forager:https://www.instagram.com/clay__bowers/http://www.nomiforager.com/bloghttps://www.youtube.com/@foragingthefifty5899https://claybowers.substack.com/Subscribe directly using your podcast app. The show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and many other platforms!Please rate and review the show in the Apple Podcast and Spotify apps. This always helps the show get ranked so that more curious foodies can explore real food and drink with us.I want to hear from you! Take the LISTENER SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZW53RTEpisode Resources:

• Regional Milkweed Guides - Read Here
• List of Milkweed Species in Montana