Invasive Species Could Spice Up Your Thanksgiving Table
BLACKSBURG, VA – Amidst concerns about supply chain disruptions and rising food costs, a surprising solution to diversifying your Thanksgiving feast may be growing-or crawling-right outside your door. Several invasive species, often considered ecological threats, are also edible and could offer unique flavors to the holiday spread, according to experts.
For decades, non-native plants and animals have disrupted North American ecosystems, often lacking natural predators. Virginia Tech Professor Jacob barney, a specialist in invasive species, reveals that some of these unwelcome guests are not only safe for human consumption but can be surprisingly palatable.Barney regularly concludes his 15-year-old invasive species course with a student potluck featuring dishes crafted from the very organisms they’ve studied. “I have always enjoyed ending the semester eating what we have been studying,” he says. ”It’s also a nice way for students to learn about new species, discover new uses, and otherwise just share in a feast of invaders.”
The spotted lanternfly currently dominates headlines as a major invasive concern, but it represents just one facet of a larger issue. Invasive species impact agriculture, forestry, and overall biodiversity, costing billions annually. Recognizing edible options within these populations offers a potential, albeit unconventional, way to address both ecological challenges and culinary creativity.
However, Barney cautions against impulsive foraging. “Before you harvest anything from the wild, make sure you have identified it correctly,” he emphasizes, highlighting the critical importance of accurate identification before consumption.
Further details on invasive species can be found at https://spes.vt.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/barney-jacob.html and https://www.futurity.org/spotted-lanternflies-invasive-species-2644192-2/.
