Edible Mountain – Mayapple, The Most Harvested Plant In Appalachia

Native Appalachian plants are a largely untapped and understudied natural resource. The mayapple is a prime example. Wild-crafted for generations, studies now reveal the plant has life-saving properties.

Dr. Eric Burkhart, a field botany expert, explains the uses of mayapple, and how it could be a special crop that offers economic befits throughout the Appalachian region.

Edible Mountain is a bite-sized, digital series that showcases some of Appalachia’s overlooked and underappreciated products of the forest while highlighting their (mostly forgotten) uses. Many episodes follow an expert in the field (from botanists to conservationists), whom provides the viewer with insight on how to sustainably forage these delicacies. Many of the episodes explore the preparation of these amazing delectables, something that many could achieve in the home kitchen.

Disclaimer: Folks. We hope that you take caution when entering the forest. Please, always be aware of your surroundings, while treading lightly, so as to not disturb the natural joy and wonder that our wilderness provides.

While most of the flora or fauna described in Edible Mountain has been identified by experts in the field, it is critical to your health and safety that you properly ID any item in the forest before eating it, let alone touching it. If you are uncertain about anything, then please leave it alone and ask for an expert’s advice. Many dangerous plants and fungi share similar properties which make them easily confused with their non-lethal relatives

West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) wants you to discover, protect, and enjoy your natural surroundings. We do not want to see you harmed. Please harvest sustainably so that the bounty can be enjoyed by future generations.

The information contained within Edible Mountain is for general information purposes only. WVPB assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents on this Service. WVPB make no guarantees as to the accuracy of the information presented, and any action you take upon the information in this program is strictly at your own risk.

In no event shall WVPB or contributors be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. WVPB reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modification to the contents on the Service at any time without prior notice.

Have fun and explore.