Foraging in the city

My name is Aai (meaning mother in Marathi), and I moved from my peaceful village in Maharashtra to the city of Mumbai many years ago. The city is full of tall buildings, big cars, and bright lights, but one thing I could never leave behind was the simple joy of foraging.

Back in the village, I would walk along our farm and in the nearby forests, picking wild herbs, fruits, and plants. I learned from my elders which plants to pick and how they could help with health or cooking. In the city, it’s a bit different, but I still find small patches of nature where wild plants grow—sometimes even right in the cracks between the roads or in small parks.

Foraging has many benefits. The food you find in nature is fresh, free, and full of nutrients. Many of these plants have medicinal qualities, like neem leaves that can help with skin problems, or tulsi (holy basil) which is good for breathing and fighting off illness. By foraging, I also feel connected to nature, like I’m part of something bigger, something that has been around long before this city.

Foraging is enjoyable because it's like a treasure hunt. I feel excited when I find something new or unexpected. And the best part is, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor—whether it’s a handful of wild mint for a refreshing tea or a handful of juicy berries for a snack.

I try to go foraging at least once a week, even if it’s just for a short walk. I’ve learned to always carry a small notebook with me, my foraging diary. In it, I write down where I find plants, how they smell, what they look like, and if I can eat them or use them in cooking. It’s important to be careful, because not all plants are safe to eat. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to ask someone who knows or look it up before you eat it.

Foraging also teaches patience and mindfulness. Every time I go out, I feel a little closer to the earth. And when I find something good, it’s like a small victory! Sometimes I even share what I find with my neighbors, especially when I find something rare.

In the city, it might not be as easy as in the village, but nature is still around us. And just like in the village, foraging in the city keeps me healthy and happy.

Would you like to try foraging yourself? Maybe you’ll start by looking for some wild plants near you—be sure to keep a little journal too! It’s fun and a great way to learn about the plants around you.

• What are the benefits of foraing?
• Can you forage around your house?
• Can you find an adult to guide you?
• Ask your parents, grandparent, or elderly people around you if they know how to forage.
• Start your very own foraging adventure diary. How to do it? Aai has already shared the secret, just listen to her.