Northern Bushcraft

Bitterroot

  • root is edible when cooked.
  • root has very bitter taste.
  • root is best when gathered just before the flower blooms.
  • root is prepared by removing the dark outer layer and the orange-red core.
  • roots can be dried for storage.
  • dried root can be reconstituted by soaking and boiling, which causes them to expand in volume by five.
  • reconstituted roots have a jelly-like consistency and bitter taste.
  • grows in open forests and dry, open grassland areas in foothills and montane regions.
  • warning: dried bitterroot expands in the stomach, and therefore should not be over-consumed.
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Related topics: Plants of PNW - Berries of PNW - Mushrooms of California - Mushrooms of Washington
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