Spring in Asheville is an exciting time for nature enthusiasts, especially those keen on urban foraging. With serviceberries ripening, it’s the perfect moment to delve into the world of edible plants within the city. The City of Asheville’s Office of Sustainability, in collaboration with the Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council, is thrilled to introduce the Asheville Edibles Map, a crowd-sourced online resource, and a hands-on serviceberries harvesting and cooking workshop on June 4th. These initiatives aim to connect residents with local, edible landscapes and promote sustainable food practices within the community.
Exploring Asheville’s Edible Landscape: Serviceberries and Beyond
Asheville boasts a diverse range of edible plants on public lands, including serviceberries, pawpaws, and persimmons. Serviceberry trees, also known as Juneberries due to their early fruiting season from late May into June, are abundant in many Asheville parks such as Park Square Park and Carrier Park. These native trees are not only well-suited to the local climate but also provide sustenance for both people and wildlife.
Encouraging residents to enjoy these publicly available fruits aligns with Asheville’s Food Policy Action Plan, which champions the integration of edible landscaping throughout the city. Importantly, these trees are free from any city-applied chemicals, ensuring a natural and safe foraging experience.
Hands-On Learning: Serviceberry Workshop
To further engage the community with these edible resources, a free serviceberry workshop is scheduled from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM on June 4th at the Senior Opportunity Center, located at 36 Grove St. While the workshop is free to attend, reservations are encouraged and can be made through this Eventbrite link.
This workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to serviceberries, covering identification, harvesting techniques, and culinary applications. Participants will learn how to recognize serviceberry trees in their neighborhoods, determine the optimal time for harvesting ripe berries, and gain practical cooking knowledge to enjoy these fruits fresh, cooked, jellied, or frozen throughout the year. Adding to the excitement, workshop attendees will have the opportunity to win a potted serviceberry tree to cultivate their own edibles at home.
The workshop will be led by Tom Celona, a passionate fruit and nut enthusiast with extensive experience in urban foraging, and Cathy Cleary, a local chef and author of “Southern Harvest Cookbook,” renowned for her expertise in regional culinary traditions. Looking ahead, the City plans to host a fall session focusing on pawpaws and persimmons, continuing to educate and involve the community in Asheville’s edible landscape.
Asheville Edibles Map: Your Online Guide to Urban Foraging
The cornerstone of these spring initiatives is the Asheville Edibles Map, an interactive online tool designed to guide residents to publicly accessible edible plants throughout the city. Initially developed in 2018 through a collaboration between the Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council and Asheville City staff, the map is based on a comprehensive inventory of edibles located on city property.
This Asheville Edibles Map not only highlights community gardens and parks with edible plantings but also incorporates a crowd-sourcing feature, inviting residents to contribute to its growth. Community members are encouraged to add locations of publicly available edibles on both public and private land (with permission), enriching the map with local knowledge and discoveries. Photos and detailed descriptions of the edibles at each site are also welcomed, enhancing the map’s utility for all users.
Accessible via smartphone or computer at ashevillenc.gov/ashevilleediblesmap, the Asheville Edibles Map serves as a valuable online resource for anyone interested in exploring and utilizing the city’s edible landscape.
Connect and Contribute to Asheville’s Edible Future
These spring initiatives offer a unique opportunity for Asheville residents to engage with their local environment, learn about edible plants, and contribute to a more sustainable food system. By participating in the serviceberry workshop and utilizing the Asheville Edibles Map, community members can actively explore the city’s edible resources.
For further details or inquiries, please contact Asheville Sustainability Officer Amber Weaver at [email protected] or Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council Coordinator, Kiera Bulan at [email protected]. Discover the Edibles Online and in your neighborhood, and become a part of Asheville’s growing edible community.
