Judson Carroll

EDC part 3: The almost every day belt pouch

In this video, I show you the pouch I carry on my belt any time I go to the woods or drive more than 30 minutes from home.  In this little pouch, I have nearly everything I need to survive for a week in almost any conditions.

https://youtu.be/kr1gSyqW3kE

Known as “the vine that ate the south,” this hated invasive spread rampantly after a failed attempt by our government in using it for erosion control.  That really is a shame, because Kudzu is one of the most useful plants known to man.  The root is powerfully medicinal, having anti-viral properties and even the ability to help with alcoholism, as well as helping with fevers, diarrhea and increasing blood flow to the heart.  The vine, itself, can be processed to make fine fibers for cordage and clothing, or left in its natural state, used to weave baskets.  The plant is also remarkably edible!

Among the two most difficult to obtain nutrients in foraged foods are fats and starches.  For plant based fats, we have to turn to nuts and seeds.  For starches, only a few tuberous roots are non-toxic and worth the trouble to process.  Kudzu roots are very large and the process of extracting the starch is not difficult.  First, dig up a root or two… considering that a mature root can be as big as a full grown man, you probably want to harvest a couple of smaller ones!  Chop the roots into pieces that are easy to handle.  Wash and scrub all the dirt off.  Peel the roots. Slice or chop the roots into small pieces (use a saw, machete or heavy cleaver), then grate or grind them up and mix with water.  Using an electric blender is the easiest and most effective way, but a box grater will do.  Pour the slurry into a vessel, covered with cheese cloth and let the mixture drip through – this will take quite a while.  The starch will settle to the bottom in a layer of fine, white powder.  Pour off the liquid, collect and dry the starch. Okay… so it is not a fast process and it does take a good bit of work if you don’t have an electric blender.  But, in a survival situation, this starch would be very valuable nutritionally.  It can be used in any way you might use corn starch or arrow root.  In Asia, they make candies and puddings with it.  I have used starch to thicken gravies and in berry pies.  

The leaves are much easier to harvest!  Another issue in surviving on wild plant foods is the scarcity of protein.  I choose to get my wild protein and fats from harvesting animals.  But, Kudzu leaves are a valuable source of plant protein… and, since the vine can grow about a yard a day in the summer, this is an abundant supply of food for both man and animal.  Before the disastrous attempt to use Kudzu to combat erosion, a man from Georgia named Channing Cope promoted it as a forage and hay crop for cattle.  Cope was a big, colorful southern character and a hero of mine.  He was wrongly blamed for the spread of kudzu and his story ended tragically.  Kudzu leaves are also packed with vitamins, making them one of the most valuable sources of nutrition to be had in quantity; enough to sustain people to be found in the woods.  I wish more people would use Kudzu instead of spraying it with herbicides… Kudzu, alone could probably do more to end world hunger than any single plant both as a vegetable and as livestock feed – chickens and goats LOVE it, BTW!  

Kudzu leaves seem somewhat tough and have a slightly furry texture when on the vine.  When cooked, they become tender and the texture is just like any other potherb.  The flavor is much like spinach – not remarkable, but good.  I simply either boil them or cook them down in some fat as I would spinach.  You could certainly use them as a substitute in a spinach casserole, cream of spinach, soup, spanakopita, lasagna, with eggs, etc.  I am sure you could eat them raw, but the raw texture is off- putting to me.  Along with a few hickory nuts, one could survive on raw leaves… but I would rather wilt them in some bacon fat and top with pecans and feta cheese.  

The real treat Kudzu offers is the flowers.  Kudzu flowers not only smell like grapes, and have a purple color like grapes, but they can be used identically to grapes for every purpose except eating out of hand.  Kudzu flowers are fine to snack on and quite tasty, but they do not taste like grapes when raw.  Use them exactly as I instructed for Dandelion flowers in making wine, syrup and jelly (add pectin to the syrup for jelly).  The only difference between Kudzu flower wine and that made from a sweet, purple grape like Concord, is the floral note.  The aroma is a very nice accent, and I would recommend bottling the wine while it is still a bit lively – let it carbonate in the bottle for a Lambrusco type of wine to enhance the floral aroma.  

This article is an excerpt from






The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54



Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube





PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop:

Toasted Holly Cooking Spoon
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/toasted-holly-cooking-spoon


Read about my other new books:



Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25



Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS



A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist
Herbal Medicine
Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube



Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Jay Angler wrote:Where I live, Impatiens glandulifera, Himalayan balsam, or for some reason, locally called Himalayan impatiens, appears to be a close relative of Jewel Weed. Certainly the "springiness" and shape of the seed pods is the same.

It is a large annual plant native to the Himalayas, which is considered invasive in many areas of North America.

I've heard that it is edible and wondered if you've run into it at all, and would treat it similarly as the Jewel Weed?

I have not but I will look forward to finding some - thankks!

This plant grows abundantly where I live…. All over my yard, basically.  It is a very tender, water-filled “weed” that grows around 3 feet tall.  It requires a lot of water to thrive, and we get tons of rain.  The flowers are very pretty.  There are two varieties, yellow and orange, and they can be used interchangeably.  I prefer the name, Touch Me Not, because it seems more appropriate – the seed pods burst at the slightest touch, scattering their seeds all around.  Medicinally, the plant is an excellent preventative and treatment for poison ivy and poison oak rashes.  I would let it grow for that reason, alone.  But, it is also a very tasty wild edible.  I usually refer to young, tender shoots of spring plants.  But this one is tender year ‘round.  However, the shoots are still best harvested in the spring before they get much more than 6 inches tall.  The shoots may be cooked just like asparagus and are quite good.  Later in the year, the seeds of the plant are sweet, nutty and well worth collecting… if you can.  The seed pods explode when even lightly touched, which is why this plant is called Touch Me Not in my region.

Jewel Weed shoots pair extremely well with milk/cream, eggs, mayonnaise.  Really, anything creamy.  I’ve already given several recipes for cream soups and casseroles, frittatas and omelets.  Why not something more exotic?  Well, I love a good Thai curry, and several veggies including this one, work very well in curries….remember the Indian Cucumber?  I love all curries – Indian, Chinese, Thai, etc.  To make a curry, simply fry up the vegetables of your choice, brown some fish or meat if you like, and add the curry seasonings of your choice.  Curry powders are usually purchased premixed, and are specific to which ever curry tradition you choose.  I always add extra turmeric.  Usually some stock or water is added and this simmers into a curry sauce.  Thai curry utilizes coconut milk to counter the very hot peppers and includes some lime leaf or citrus zest.  The coconut milk works perfectly with Jewel Weed shoots.  

Another good idea is to combine your Jewel Weed shoots with chipped beef in a cream sauce.  Creamed Chipped Beef is a delicious dish that has gotten a bad reputation due to inferior, canned versions.  Chipped beef is simply salt cured beef.  This was a popular dish in World War 2 and the Korean War, but I am afraid the military’s version was focused more on storage and portability than flavor – Creamed Chipped Beef on toast was also known as S.O.S. or “Shit on a Shingle”, as were several other dishes, including ground beef and onion gravy served on toast.  Well, that is a shame.  Fresh Asparagus, Jewel Weed shoots, Milkweed Shoots, Solomon’s Seal, etc. are all excellent in this combo.  Make a roux just as I have described several times, add milk, mix in chipped beef and onions if you like.  Serve over toast with sauteed or blanched veggies… and if you want to get fancy, top with a poached egg, some grated cheese and any green herbs you like.  If you don’t like chipped beef from the store, it isn’t that complicated to make your own.  Basically, you just bury a cut of lean beef in a box of salt mixed with a little curing or pink salt.  Change the salt when it becomes saturated.  You can include herbs and spices if you like.  Then, thoroughly dry it.  It is something between a ham and beef jerky when done right.  Chipped beef is not usually spiced or smoked, but it certainly can be.  Start with a few inexpensive, small roasts and experiment.  I always add pepper, at least.



This article is an excerpt from






The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54



Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube





PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop:

Toasted Holly Cooking Spoon
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/toasted-holly-cooking-spoon


Read about my other new books:



Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25



Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS



A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist
Herbal Medicine
Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube



Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

EDC part 2: What's in my wallet

Today, I show you the basic survival items I carry in my wallet. This little kit covers the basics of survival. It is light. It fits easily in a pocket and only costs a few bucks to put together.

https://youtu.be/93MdbhxL4JQ

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/show-257-raspberry-and-blackberry--68023787


Today, we discuss the medicinal and edible use of Blackberry and Raspberry.  The entire family is good medicine and delicious!



Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube


Tune of the week: Brown's Boogie on Guitar
Today, I play my version of Etta Baker's Brown's Boogie. It is a very fun boogie tune in the key of E, that showcases several of her signature riffs. It has a big Arthur Smith influence, as is appropriate for any guitarist from NC!
https://youtu.be/RRNGhQGc6jA

New today in my Woodcraft shop:

Toasted Holly Cooking Spoon
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/toasted-holly-cooking-spoon

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support

Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7QS6b0lQqEclaO9AB-kOkkvlHr4tqAbs

Brown's Boogie on Guitar

Today, I play my version of Etta Baker's Brown's Boogie.  It is a very fun boogie tune in the key of E, that showcases several of her signature riffs. It has a big Arthur Smith influence, as is appropriate for any guitarist from NC!

https://youtu.be/RRNGhQGc6jA

EDC part 1: What I carry in an on my belt
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/p/edc-part-1-what-i-carry-in-an-on

[youtube]https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/p/edc-part-1-what-i-carry-in-an-on[/youtube]

Hyssop/Hedgenettle

Often called Hyssop, but different from the herb of that name, this is a plant in the Stachys family and related to mint.  In fact, it looks like a tall, upright mint, but the leaves have no minty flavor.  It has tuberous roots that, raw or blanched, can add crunch to a salad, make nice pickles and can be cooked as a vegetable.  

Harvest the roots in early spring.  They are remarkable looking roots…. Long, ribbed and pearly white!   They turn brown as they get older and become tougher.  They are somewhat sweet, like Jerusalem artichokes when raw, and seem to contain the same inulin that does not spike blood sugar and may be a good choice for diabetics.  When cooked, the roots have a taste and texture like water chestnuts.  That makes them a good addition to stir fries and such.  But my favorite combo is a layered salad which is almost a cold casserole.

Layered Salad

Ingredients:

1-2 cups of blanched Hedgenettle roots and/or canned water chestnuts – a combination is perfect

2 cups chopped lettuce or a mix of lettuce and wild greens – I like to combine lettuce and spinach or mild wild greens with bitter and peppery greens

1 cup sweet garden peas

½ cup chopped onion or other alliums

½ cup mayonnaise (or more depending on taste…. If it is home made, I will use more)

½ cup grated cheese

¼ cup herbs – whatever you like

¼ cup chopped pecans or other nuts

Salt and pepper to taste



Instructions

Lightly salt and pepper between layers

In a casserole dish, put a layer of chopped lettuce (etc.)

Add a layer of Hedgenettle and/or waterchestnut

Add a layer of onions and peas

Cover with mayonnaise

Add the herbs, nuts and cheese

Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before eating… overnight is best, but I never wait that long!







Japanese Knotweed

This is one that you can feel comfortable harvesting all you like.  It is considered an invasive weed and can be troublesome to farmers, etc.  Japanese Knotweed is in the Buckwheat family, so the seeds are edible.  But, the main edible value in this plant lies in the stems.  The young, tender stems may be prepared just like Asparagus.  Older, tougher stems can be peeled and used as you might use rhubarb.  You can cook them down into a jam or make a pie.  As the older stems require the addition of sugar and lemon juice (etc), I find them to be more of an interesting addition to the wild diet.  But, the young, tender stems are quite tasty and easy to prepare.  The sheer abundance of Japanese Knotweed in many areas could make it a valuable dietary staple in filling the “hungry gap”, before the garden is producing much.  The trick is to pick it before it gets too tough, which means before it is over about a foot tall.

Japanese Knotweed is related to rhubarb.  It has a sourness to it.  I like that… to a point, and I eat it as a vegetable, using the steam/saute method and plenty of butter.  I peel it, chop it finely and use it as a side dish.  I will admit though, that it is better pickled.  It can also be used like rhubarb in desserts.  Japanese knotweed has become very popular combined with strawberries in a variation on strawberry/rhubarb pie.  It also makes a good jam.  I am not a dessert guy, much less a good baker of desserts.  Most recipes call for equal parts peeled and chopped, knotweed, chopped strawberries and sugar, cooked down.  I found this way too sweet for my taste, even with the citrus-like sourness.  I am still experimenting to find the right balance.  My advice would be to find a few recipes online and to do the same until you find proportions that suit your taste



This article is an excerpt from






The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54



Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube





PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop:

Toasted Holly Cooking Spoon
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/toasted-holly-cooking-spoon


Read about my other new books:



Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25



Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS



A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


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Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist
Herbal Medicine
Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube



Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.