Go Forth and Forage - by Whitney Johnson (Paperback)

About the Book

"Go Forth and Forage is a North American mushroom foraging guide with identification, harvesting, and preparation instructions for over 50 edible and medicinal mushrooms"--

Book Synopsis

Let expert forager and Appalachian native Whitney Johnson (@appalachian_forager) be your friendly guide to foraging over 50 North American species of edible and medicinal fungi.

Go Forth and Forage is a detailed field guide to identifying, harvesting, and preparing wild-foraged mushrooms through all four seasons. From spring treasures such as morels and woodears, to summer finds like black trumpets, chicken of the woods, and boletes, straight through to fall and winter harvests of lion's mane, oyster, and enoki, each species profile includes color photos, identification advice to confirm edibility, and tips on how to harvest responsibly. You'll also find culinary preparation advice and recipes to feast on your finds successfully and deliciously.

In her signature warm and folksy tone, Johnson also offers insight on:

• How to find wild mushrooms (hint: identifying trees is involved)
• Understanding mushroom anatomy and how it informs your harvest
• The best gear for mushroom foraging, from knives and bags to clothes and boots
• Using spore prints to help confirm proper identification
• Words of wisdom on what to do before you take a bite
• Being a responsible and ethical forager
• Common mushroom myths
• Finding and using mushrooms in medicinal forms, such as tinctures and teas

Humans have foraged for wild mushrooms for untold generations. Now, with help from Go Forth and Forage, you'll be on your way to mastering this age-old skill and enjoying all the delicacies the craft of mushroom foraging has to offer.

Review Quotes

"Nowadays mushroom books abound especially in North America where interest in edible fungi continues to increase. This guide adds to such accounts but with an Appalachian twist."

--Inoculum - Mycological Society of America

"This resource book has everything you need to get started finding and picking your own mushrooms safely in nature. One of the major focuses of the book is taking the fear out of foraging mushrooms by learning how not just to identify various mushrooms but also prepare each of the different types without putting yourself in danger."

--Susan Bewley, Budget Earth

Go Forth and Forage is the essential guide for foraging mushrooms in Appalachia. It covers all the basics of identification, safety, and responsibility while steeped in the down-home country charm that has made Whitney such a resounding success on social media. The book is filled with beautiful photos, great descriptions, delicious recipes, and humorous anecdotes. This book is a must have for prospective foragers and nature enthusiasts.

--Dr. Gordon Walker, @FascinatedByFungi and author of Passport to Kingdom Fungi

This book is a hilarious companion for the myco-curious, full of the sort of folksy friendliness and Appalachian horse-sense that put Whitney on the map in the first place. An encouraging guide that leads you through the challenging parts of foraging, instead of around them.

--Gabrielle Cerberville, @chaoticforager

This book is fun look into foraging and mushroom identification written in the words of an engaging and authentic creator. A must for any enthusiast or beginner.

--Elizabeth Burdock, AKA Whichbetty

Whitney has taken the infinitely complex subject of identifying mushrooms, and made it approachable and straightforward with her easy Appalachian sensibility, wit and charm that comes through in everything she shares. This is beyond a great mushroom foraging guide and recipe collection, it is an invitation into her holler and stomping grounds, a seat at her table, and an offering of delicious proportions.

--Tara Lanich-LaBrie, founder of The Medicine Circle and author of Foraged & Grown

Written in a fun and lively style, Go Forth and Forage empowers you to confidently identify and harvest dozens of wild mushrooms. With beautiful photographs, engaging commentary, and helpful tips, this book is an excellent resource for aspiring mushroom hunters and nature enthusiasts

--Adam Haritan, Learn Your Land

About the Author

Appalachian Forager, Whitney Johnson, is a full-time forager, content creator, and the author of Go Forth and Forage. A passionate Appalachian ambassador with over 1 million followers across her social media, she has used her platform to shine a lovin' light on the region and to teach the world how to be more self-sufficient while responsibly utilizing the goodies that Momma Nature provides.

Born and raised in eastern Kentucky, Whitney developed a passion for all things outdoors as a young holler baby. Foraging is her forte, especially mushroom hunting, but she does not discriminate against any wild edibles. She also picks plants and herbs to wildcraft a plethora of skincare and wellness products. She fishes. She hikes. She gardens. She cooks like your mamaw. She is a proud Appalachian spreading the love and wondrous things the region has to offer via her down-to-earth, educational, and quirky videos on TikTok (@appalachian_forager), Instagram (@appalachian_forager), and Facebook (Appalachian Forager). Whitney continues to be a hillbilly force to be reckoned with; spreadin' pride for her region, preachin' girl power, all while keepin' the old ways alive ... with a dash of humor.