Rob Raskin of Las Vegas here again, and today we’ll be looking at edible desert plants. When the supply chain fails, either due to a short-term or long-term disturbance, it’s importance to be able to be truly self-sufficient. While Las Vegas has a reputation for being a major tourist destination, it also has an abundance of natural food options for survivalists to thrive off of. Learning about these can save your life during any bugout scenario, and just might help you survive even in less dire circumstances.
Pinion Pines
The seeds of this tree can form a nutritious meal and are a good source of fat and protein. Even better, they’re easy to harvest! Simply collect a few cones and shake the seeks out, and you could have a ready-made snack.
Yucca
This majestic plant has edible roots, flowers and seeds, and can be found throughout the Las Vegas area.
Dandelion
The humble dandelion can be found on yards all across the Valley, but most people don’t know they’re also edible. You can eat the young leaves as part of a salad or simmer the root to create a coffee substitute.
Mesquite
The beans of this plant can be processed to make flour, which can be baked into cakes. They are ideal for long-term storage as well.
Juniper
The berries of this tree are edible and can also be used to create alcohol, which can be vital for preservation, cleaning, and trade.
Cattail
Found in more march environments, such as near the ls Vegas Wetlands, this plant’s tubers, roots, flowers and pollen are all edible.
It’s important to know which plants are good for survival, because many poisonous plants look very similar to edible ones. Eating one wrong plant can lead to adverse consequences, and the last thing you want to have during any disaster scenario is a medical emergency. Learning how to best identify and prepare wild plants for meals early on can save you from sickness and can be one more skill to add to your toolkit, and could give you the advantage you need to survive in the wild.