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available. If you are collecting clover, and are in a field of it, selecting partly eaten, curled and brown, or damaged leaves doesn't make a great deal of sense. Likewise, avoid collecting plants that are growing in a polluted environment. I'm referring here to man made toxins like heavy metals, human sewage, grounds containing much left over human debris, or chemicals. Plants absorb a certain amount of these toxins, and can be harmful.

After collection, when you've put the herbs in the zip-lock bags, gently force as much air out of the bags as possible without bruising the herbs. This will make them last longer until you have the chance to prepare them, and it will produce far less spoilage. If possible, put the herbs in an ice chest containing ice, for the transport.

This may sound like a lot to do and to remember, but it really isn't. Most of this is common sense. And once you've gathered herbs a few times, you'll be ready to go out for more. It is a healthy and fun excursion, it is an activity that the entire family can get in on, and it is cost saving. I say cost saving? Absolutely I do! Consider that common garden herbs that anyone can grow in their flower beds can cost $20 - $40 a pound. Wild herbs are often much, much more expensive than this. You also have the knowledge of where the herbs came from, how they were prepared, and the assurance that they have not sat on a dusty shelf somewhere in some warehouse long after all health benefits are long gone.

Have fun with your collecting, and don't be afraid to relax and enjoy the outing.

Get ready, get set, GLEAN!

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
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