On the Flaws of Foraging Manuals

Why a missing step in most field guides fails to turn beginners into masters.

I am an amateur forager. The hobby doesn’t have too many people involved that would readily self-identify as “professional”¹ but I am nevertheless further down the line of those you should call on for advice on the matter. I have read plenty about the outdoors and have avoided poisoning myself altogether on any expedition. If asked, I would probably gues…