Traditional Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants in Northwest Iberia
Author Information
Author(s): Manuel Pardo-de-Santayana, Javier Tardío, Emilio Blanco, Ana Maria Carvalho, Juan José Lastra, Elia San Miguel, Ramón Morales
Primary Institution: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the knowledge, diversity, and cultural significance of wild edible plants used in six rural areas of the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Conclusion
Cultural factors are more influential than biological factors in determining the consumption of wild edible plants.
Supporting Evidence
- The study involved six rural regions in Spain and Portugal.
- A total of 97 wild edible plant species were documented.
- Cultural significance of wild edible plants varies across regions.
Takeaway
People in northwest Spain and Portugal used to eat wild plants, but now many of them are forgotten, even though some are becoming popular again as local specialties.
Methodology
Data on the use of 97 species were collected through informed consent semi-structured interviews with local informants.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported data from informants.
Limitations
The study relies on the knowledge of elderly informants, which may not represent the current practices of younger generations.
Participant Demographics
Informants were mostly elderly long-time residents with traditional knowledge of useful wild plants.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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