Urban foraging for food security and sovereignty: quantifying edible forest yield in Syracuse, New York using four common fruit- and nut-producing street tree species

Abstract

Urban foraging is an under-explored facet of the alternative food movement. Foraging can improve urban food systems by contributing to nutrition (food security) and cultural appropriateness and community engagement (food sovereignty). This study quantifies the nutrition available from foraged products in Syracuse, New York, using four common urban species: serviceberry, mulberry, apple and black walnut. Fruit from trees of each species was harvested and weighed weekly during the 2016 growing season. Seasonal mean yield estimates were low relative to orchard crop yields, as many trees produced no fruit. Overall, large variation was present in yield. Tree diameter was positively correlated with yield. Reasons for low yields in general included late spring frost, summer drought and herbivory, as well as other species-specific factors. Edible fruit tree availability throughout Syracuse was also compared to neighborhood household income levels. Edible trees are overall more available in high income neighborhoods. During sampling, foraging was also informally discussed with homeowners and passersby; strong interest in the practice was found across demographics. We conclude this study with recommendations for improving yields and designing a forage-rich urban forest.