Wild and semi-domesticated food plant consumption in seven circum-Mediterranean areas

TLDR

The use of local Mediterranean food plants is at risk of disappearing, and there is a need to understand how consumption patterns change over time and across regions. The study aims to investigate consumption practices of wild edible plants and to explore ways to transmit this knowledge to future Mediterranean generations. Between 2003 and 2006, a circum‑Mediterranean ethnobotanical survey was carried out in seven areas, administering structured questionnaires to indigenous people and documenting 294 wild food plant taxa. Analysis revealed that traditional knowledge of wild food plants varies by region, linked to local traditions, environment, and cultural heritage, while similarities were found between Eastern and Western Mediterranean use.

Abstract

The use of local Mediterranean food plants is at the brink of disappearance. Even though there is relatively abundant information on inventories of wild edible taxa, there is also a crucial need to understand how these plants are consumed and when and how these consumption phenomena change over time and place around the Mediterranean. Additionally, it is important to study such knowledge systems and find innovative ways of infusing them to the future Mediterranean generations. During the years 2003–2006 a circum-Mediterranean ethnobotanical field survey for wild food plants was conducted in selected study sites in seven Mediterranean areas (European Union-funded RUBIA Project). Structured and semi-structured questionnaires have been administered to indigenous people and 294 wild food plant taxa were documented in the survey. A comparative analysis of the data was undertaken showing that the quantity and quality of traditional knowledge varies among the several study areas and is closely related to the traditions, environment and cultural heritage of each country. More similarities of wild edible popular use were revealed between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Mediterranean.