Thursday, 31 March 2016
Cattails: How To SAFELY Harvest And Eat Nature’s 4-Seasons Survival Plant
The post Cattails: How To SAFELY Harvest And Eat Nature’s 4-Seasons Survival Plant was originally seen on http://ift.tt/1nr27gs
Image source: Pixabay.com
A lot has been written about cattails, although the focus often tends to be on warm weather months. But I’ve harvested and eaten this remarkable plant throughout the year.
Still, don’t be tempted to yank out a young cattail shoot and start munching away. The cattail may be safe, but is the water it was growing in safe?
Cattails tend to grow in swampy waters, ponds, lakes, creeks and even ditches. The caution is that many of these bodies of water are rife with aquatic microbes — from amoebas to microscopic parasites — carrying everything from giardia to typhoid. It is one thing to get sick at home and drive over to the doctor or a hospital, but it’s quite another to develop amoebic dysentery in a survival situation. There are simple ways to avoid this but the telegram is: Don’t eat an unwashed section of cattail that has been immersed in any body of water.
And Now The Good News
You can use many parts of the cattail in a survival situation, across all four seasons. There are extremely few plants that can fulfill that level of nutritional, medicinal and functional value from summer through winter. Remote survival environments can often present you with cleaner, safer water, as well.
Let’s examine how it can be used, season by season:
SPRING
As a food source:
From a survival food standpoint, the best parts of a cattail to harvest include the spikes (the emerging plant) in early spring, the spike-shaped shoots throughout spring and early summer, the yellow, pollen-covered heads at the top of the plant mid-spring, and the roots (although the roots are better and bigger as they mature into winter).
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The spikes or emerging plants can be found poking above the water or just beneath the surface. The spikes actually look like a very large leek with a white base extending two to five inches and a long green stalk leading to the early fronds emerging at the top of the plant. I also save the roots at this time, but we’ll get to that later.
Image source: Pixabay.com
I cut the first six to eight inches from the base and collect them. These need to be rinsed in fresh water and ideally, soaked in vinegar for 10 to 20 minutes. Vinegar is a natural antiseptic and will help to kill and remove any bacteria. Rinse them again in cold water or just enjoy them with their vinegar flavor. In an extreme survival situation where you have no resources, you can always roast them over a fire to kill any bacteria.
You might also spot some shoots emerging from the stalks. These show up in spring and continue into early summer. They’re usually above the water line and are triangular in shape. The base is white and you chew the end like a potato chip or strip it with your teeth like an artichoke petal. I’d still give them a rinse if you can, even though they’re above the water.
Some people say the seed heads at the top of the plant can be boiled and eaten like sweet corn. I tried it and didn’t like it. Maybe I should have tried it sooner in the spring, but if I’m starving I’d give it another try.
The roots
Regardless of the time of year, the roots are an excellent source of starch, like potatoes. You need to peel the roots first like a potato, rinse them well and then let them dry. Some sources suggest that you can eat the roots raw. You can eat anything raw, but cattail roots present a very fibrous texture and uncooked can give you stomach and intestinal distress.
Once they’re dry, they’re often pounded into a flour. You can also cut the roots into pieces and crush the root in some water on a board. Drop them in water and the starch will sink to the bottom. You may have to rinse and repeat. That sounds like something you’d find on a shampoo bottle, but you need to do it, followed by carefully allowing the starch slurry to dehydrate. What you’ll end up with is a flour that can be used to bake breads and biscuits or to make pancakes.
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It sounds like a lot of work, and it is. I prefer to peel and wash the roots and roast them over a fire and then chew them. You can always roast them on the end of a stick. You’ll have to spit out the fibers as you chew.
Functional value
The functional value of cattails in the spring is somewhat limited, only because the immature plants are small in size. That’s because the long fronds of summer and fall that can be used for weaving, cordage and other uses are undeveloped, as is the rest of the plant. However, the dried and dead stalks from the previous season can be used as tinder for starting a fire.
SUMMER
As a food source
In summer, the cattails are beginning to mature but there are still some shoots emerging on the sides of the stalk. The roots are also good, and the same approach applies that we described for spring roots. The seed heads will begin to present pollen in summer, and that can be mixed with the flour from the roots. You can carefully shake the pollen into the flour from the seed head, or cover it with a bag and shake the pollen into the bag.
Functional value
Image source: Pixabay.com
If you take the time to practice a bit, you can learn to weave cattail fronds into just about anything, from baskets, to a hat to protect you from the sun, to cordage, but weaving the fronds into rope is better done in the fall, when the fronds have matured and are tougher and more fibrous.
FALL
As a food source
The roots are now your primary foodstuff and are prepared the same way. They’ll be larger so you can harvest less to get more. The seed heads now have the appearance of a brown corn dog.
Functional value
The cattails have now matured to a tough, fibrous plant. You can still use the fronds for weaving, and now is when the fronds make the strongest cordage.
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What you’re going to be doing is a basic braiding process of overlapping three or more strands of cattail fronds. You’ll need to add in additional pieces as you go to splice in new fibers. Sometimes you can actually tie small knots to make a better connection from splice to splice. Watch this video to understand this step better:
Story continues below video
You’ll also notice that the seed heads are releasing puffs off fluff. This is an exceptional tinder, and the interior of the seed head will still be dry even in wet weather.
WINTER
As a food source
Roots are at their peak. The seed heads will have gone to seed in pieces of fluff. The stalks and fronds are starting to turn brown. Prepare the roots as before.
Functional value
The seed heads, stalks and fronds have now turned brown. This offers numerous fire-starting and insulation possibilities. The fronds can still be woven, and the seed heads continue to offer excellent tinder in addition to the dry, dead stalks and fronds. Cordage can still be made, but the strength will not be as dependable as fully green and mature fronds.
The seed heads in early winter will be loaded with fluff and can be used as insulation. If you collect enough, you can stuff a T-shirt to make a pillow. The stuff is a real mess if it’s not contained, but in a true survival situation it can be dumped into boots or gloves, adding insulating layers. It’s also highly absorbent if you’re trying to dry out those boots or gloves.
Final thoughts
If you know of a source of cattails, then go out and collect a few and get to know the plant. Depending on the time of year, try some of the suggestions covered in this article. I’ve had a lot of fun sitting on the back porch with my kids and teaching them how to use cattail fronds to weave a basket or make a length of rope. It makes me feel good to know they’re learning some new skills for self-sufficiency and survival thanks to the humble cattail.
Do you know of other survival uses for cattail? Share your suggestions in the section below:
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This Article Was Originally Posted On offthegridnews.com Read the Original Article hereSee More Here: Cattails: How To SAFELY Harvest And Eat Nature’s 4-Seasons Survival Plant
How to Grill Vegetables Like a Pro | Backyard Grilling 101
How to Grill Vegetables Like a Pro | Backyard Grilling 101 is republished from http://ift.tt/1nr27gs
Home Recipes Quick and Easy Meals How to Grill Vegetables Like a Pro | Backyard Grilling 101
Want to know how to grill vegetables like a pro? Get them perfect every time with these tips.
How to Grill Vegetables Like a ProBeing a homesteader means having access to produce almost 24/7. That’s why knowing how to cook them properly is important. I’ve been grilling vegetables for years now so I’ve had plenty of practice to make them perfect and well cooked all the way through every time. So if you want to make sure that your veggies are grilled to perfection, here are some tips you can use anytime!
You can thank Fix.com for this cooking enhancement.
How to Grill Vegetables Like a Pro
Move over meat: veggies take center stage in outdoor cooking!
How To Grill Pepper
Preparation: Cut in half lengthwise. Brush with olive oil.
Grilling: 6-10 minutes (skin side down), 3-4 minutes on other side
Temperature: 400-425°F
How To Grill Corn
Preparation: Pull husk down, remove silk. Soak for 15 minutes in cold water. Pull husk up.
Grilling: 10-20 minutes (turn several times)
Temperature: 350°F
How To Grill An Onion
Preparation: Peel and cut into 1/2-inch-thick rings. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt.
Grilling: 8-10 minutes (turn several times)
Temperature: 400-425°F
How To Grill Asparagus
Preparation: Roll in olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper
Grilling: 5-10 minutes (turn every few minutes until tender)
Temperature: 400-425°F
How To Grill Eggplant
Preparation: Cut in half lengthwise or into circles about 1/4 inch thick. Brush with olive oil.
Grilling: 4-5 minutes (per side)
Temperature: 400-425°F
How To Grill Leek
Preparation: Cut in half lengthwise. Brush with olive oil.
Grilling: 4-6 minutes (per side)
Temperature: 350°F
How To Grill Summer Squash & Zucchini
Grilled zucchini
Preparation: Cut in thirds or halves. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt.
Grilling: 5-8 minutes (per side)
Temperature: 400-425°F
How To Grill Mushroom
Preparation: Brush with olive oil. Slice after grilling.
Grilling: 8-10 minutes (per side)
Temperature: 400-425°F
How To Grill Artichoke
Preparation: Cut in half lengthwise. Press down to spread leaves open. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt.
Grilling: 15-20 minutes (per side or until base is tender)
Temperature: 350°F
How To Grill Fennel
Preparation: Remove stalks. Cut the bulb in half lengthwise, or slice, keeping part of the root attached. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt.
Grilling: 5-6 minutes (per side)
Temperature: 400-425°F
Will you start grilling your vegetables now? Let us know below in the comments!
Loving Grilling? Check Out How To Be a Grill Master from our friends at Homemade Recipes.
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Wednesday, 30 March 2016
DIY Bow and Arrow. Just in Case a Zombie Apocalypse Strikes the Earth
DIY Bow and Arrow. Just in Case a Zombie Apocalypse Strikes the Earth is courtesy of http://ift.tt/1nr27gs
People started using bows and arrows around 64, 000 years ago. Even though at that time it was considered to be quite an innovative weapon, nowadays it’s seen as being rather primitive, especially if you compare it to various contemporary hunting tools. However, its current value cannot be contested if we think about all the threats we could be faced in modern times.
Almost any person can build a bow and arrow by using materials found in the woods. Check out the video below if you want to discover a very old-school DIY.
This skill can be extremely useful if you plan to live in the wilderness or fear a zombie apocalypse will strike the earth.
See More Here: DIY Bow and Arrow. Just in Case a Zombie Apocalypse Strikes the Earth
A Truck Crib That Turns Into A Changing Table!
A Truck Crib That Turns Into A Changing Table! is republished from Total Survival
Look at this truck crib + changing table! This is SO cute!!
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How to Make Rope from Recycled Plastic
How to Make Rope from Recycled Plastic Find more on: Total Survival
Recycle every plastic bottle (1-2 liter and 20 oz. bottles work best) and every plastic grocery bag that comes into your household.
Did you know that you can make extremely durable rope with these two items? This strong rope will make a great addition to any bug out bag!
Turning plastic bottles into durable rope can be accomplished using a wooden portable device, which you can make yourself!
How To Turn a Plastic Bottle Into Rope Using a DIY Wooden Portable Device
To make this wooden portable device you will need:
- a rectangular piece of wood
- a Phillips screwdriver
- some metallic strapping tape (see above photo)
- a paper cutter blade
- 4 wood screws 1.5 cm in length
- a hacksaw
- resin paper
( Choose a piece of wood that can easily fit in your hand. Mine is 4.5 x 4.5 x 17 cm. )
Full tutorial can be found here.
Also, check out this video on another great DIY plastic bottle cutter!
How to Make Rope Using Plastic Grocery Bags
Things you’ll need:
- Plastic grocery bags – lots of them! (Figure on approximately 2 bags per foot of rope)
- Scissors (optional)
Full tutorial can be found here.
Also, check out this video on how to make rope using plastic grocery bags without the use of scissors.
Looking for more projects or creative ideas for upcycling plastic bottles? These projects from Pinterest are fun for the entire family.
And for even more upcycling tips, check out these projects from our friends at DIYReady.
This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article HereSource Here: How to Make Rope from Recycled Plastic
5 Essential Preps You Can Do Right Now That Are FREE
The post 5 Essential Preps You Can Do Right Now That Are FREE Find more on: http://ift.tt/1nr27gs
Image source: Pixabay.com
It seems that most discussions about preparedness often revolve around guns, tools and gear. Sometimes we overspend, but today let’s take a look at things you can do that won’t cost you a dime. Sometimes it’s good to take a step back and stop spending so much money.
Gear is great, but knowledge and practice are more important. Here are five free things you can do to be better prepared:
1. Get into shape.
This is, by far, one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of survival. Being fit is necessary, regardless of whether you’re “bugging in” our “bugging out.” You cannot afford to have your body fail you. The amount of energy you’ll expend on a daily basis will increase, the amount of food you’ll be able to procure will decrease and a sick body just won’t be able to cope with that.
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Now, you might be thinking you’ll need to buy weights to use at home. Yet there are many at-home workouts that only use your body weight. They focus on exercises such as jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, squats, leg raises and so on. Of course, you should check with your doctor to see what you can and cannot do. Show him or her the list of exercises, but consider holding off on the real reason why you’re doing this. They might not understand.
2. Make a plan.
Not that I’m making you choose, but if you had a bug-out plan and no bug-out bag, you might be better off than someone who has a BOB but no clue as to how to evacuate.
Making a survival plan isn’t hard. The hardest part is figuring out the various survival scenarios you might have to face. You’ve basically got three main categories: bugging in, bugging out and getting home.
Now, the more family members you have to take care of, the more elaborate the plans. If you have pets, you have to take care of them, too. As long as you have pen and paper or a computer, you can write down your emergency plans and improve them over time.
3. Make an inventory of everything you have.
Image source: Pixabay.com
Speaking of plans, how about you make an inventory of all the things you have in your home that could be useful during a crisis? Hint: pretty much anything can be of value. When’s the last time you went through all the bags of old clothes and items in your attic? I bet you can find a lot of things up there you thought you’d never use.
Make an inventory and crisscross it with the list of survival items you were going to purchase.
4. Learn a new skill.
The list of survival skills you could learn is a long one, but don’t let that intimidate you. Making primitive tools and weapons (mortar and pestle, tomahawks, fishing spears, slingshots), starting a fire, finding water, crossing a river, signaling for help, escaping a burning building, fixing various things around the house – all of these can be learned for free or almost for free.
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If you’re thinking about bugging in during the next disaster, you might be interested to learn:
- woodworking
- plumbing
- splitting wood
- milking a cow
- gardening
- washing clothes by hand
- planning your garden
- recognizing and foraging for wild edibles (some of them may be in your backyard)
…and on and on.
5. Hunt coupons.
Coupons can help you save a lot of money on preps in the long run. If you’re smart enough to use them during sales periods, you might even be able to get some items completely free! The coupon hunt will take a lot of time, though. You’ll have to look all over the Internet, subscribe to a bunch of newsletters, look for them in newspapers and closely monitor when the survival items you want are on sale.
This means you have to know what you want. Make a list of items to purchase. If you do it in excel, you’ll also keep track of how much you spent, so you can make a weekly average and try to keep it as low as possible.
Related:
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That’s our list – what would you add to it? What “free preps” did we forget? Share your advice in the section below:
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This Article Was Originally Posted On offthegridnews.com Read the Original Article hereSource Here: 5 Essential Preps You Can Do Right Now That Are FREE