In a post-apocalyptic world where modern technology and conveniences are no longer available, like the one depicted in my novel “The Other Side of the Sun,” securing a reliable food source becomes a top priority for survival, second only to finding safe drinking water. This guide will provide you with practical techniques and knowledge on how to find, prepare, and preserve food without the aid of modern technology. By mastering these skills, you can ensure that you and your loved ones have access to sustenance, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Our goal is to provide a series of detailed guides that you can print and store for reference in case of a crisis. While the events of “The Other Side of the Sun” may not be likely to happen, having a tangible resource could be crucial to survival if they did. These guides are designed as a practical handbook, so enjoy and provide feedback if you find this format useful.
Section 1: Foraging for Edible Plants and Mushrooms
When grocery stores and restaurants are no longer an option, foraging for wild edibles can provide a valuable source of nutrition. Here’s what you need to know:
1.1 Identifying Safe Plants and Mushrooms
- Familiarize yourself with common edible plants and mushrooms in your area. Consult reliable field guides, attend workshops, or seek guidance from experienced foragers.
- Learn to identify poisonous plants and mushrooms to avoid accidentally consuming them. Some common poisonous plants include poison ivy, poison oak, and certain types of berries and mushrooms.
- If you’re unsure about a plant or mushroom’s identity, err on the side of caution and don’t eat it.
1.2 Foraging Techniques
- Forage in areas away from roads, industrial sites, or other sources of pollution to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to harvest plants, taking care not to damage the roots or surrounding vegetation.
- Collect only what you need and leave enough for the plant to regenerate and for other foragers or wildlife.
- Avoid foraging in areas where pesticides or herbicides may have been used.
1.3 Preparing Foraged Foods
- Thoroughly wash foraged plants and mushrooms with clean water to remove dirt, insects, and potential contaminants.
- Cook foraged foods whenever possible to improve digestibility and destroy harmful bacteria or parasites.
- Some plants may require special preparation, such as boiling or soaking, to remove toxins. Research the specific requirements for each plant you forage.
Section 2: Hunting and Trapping
Hunting and trapping can provide a valuable source of protein in a crisis situation. Here are some basic techniques:
2.1 Small Game Hunting
- Focus on small game like rabbits, squirrels, and birds, which are more abundant and easier to hunt than larger animals.
- Use snares, traps, or simple projectile weapons like slingshots or bows to capture small game.
- Learn to identify animal tracks and signs to locate potential hunting spots.
2.2 Trapping Techniques
- Familiarize yourself with different types of traps, such as deadfalls, snares, and cage traps.
- Set traps in areas where animals are likely to pass, such as along game trails or near water sources.
- Check traps regularly and dispatch animals humanely to minimize suffering.
2.3 Food Safety and Storage
- Field dress and butcher animals as soon as possible after hunting or trapping to prevent spoilage.
- Store meat in a cool, dry place, or use preservation methods like smoking, salting, or drying to extend its shelf life.
- Cook meat thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria and parasites.
- Have a bag ready to throw up in. It’s going to be gross!
Section 3: Fishing
Fishing can provide a reliable source of protein in areas with access to water bodies. Here’s how to fish without modern gear:
3.1 Hand Line Fishing
- Use a strong, thin cord or rope as a fishing line, and attach a hook, sinker, and bait.
- Cast the line into the water and wait for a bite, then pull the line in by hand to catch the fish.
- Improvised hooks can be made from thorns, bone, or wood, while bait can include insects, worms, or small pieces of meat.
3.2 Fish Traps
- Construct simple fish traps using natural materials like reeds, vines, or thin branches.
- Place traps in shallow water or along the shoreline, baited with scraps of food to attract fish.
- Check traps regularly and remove caught fish promptly to prevent spoilage.
3.3 Spearfishing
- In clear, shallow water, spearfishing can be an effective method of catching fish.
- Create a simple spear by attaching a sharpened point, such as a knife or carved wood, to a long pole.
- Aim for fish from above the water or while wading, striking quickly and accurately.
Section 4: Primitive Cooking Methods
Without modern appliances, cooking food requires some basic skills and techniques. Here are a few primitive cooking methods:
4.1 Fire Pits
- Dig a shallow pit in the ground and line it with rocks to create a simple fire pit.
- Build a fire using dry tinder, kindling, and firewood, and let it burn down to hot coals for cooking.
- Place food directly on the coals, or use skewers, grates, or green sticks to suspend food over the fire.
4.2 Earth Ovens
- Dig a large hole in the ground and line it with rocks.
- Build a fire inside the hole, allowing the rocks to heat up for several hours.
- Remove the coals and ash, place food inside the hole, and cover it with more hot rocks and earth to create an oven effect.
4.3 Clay Pot Cooking
- Create simple clay pots by shaping clay into a vessel and firing it in a hot fire.
- Use clay pots to boil water, cook stews, or bake bread over hot coals or in an earth oven.
Section 5: Food Preservation
Preserving food is essential to maintain a stable food supply and reduce waste. Here are some low-tech preservation methods:
5.1 Drying
- Slice fruits, vegetables, and meat into thin strips and dry them in the sun, over a fire, or in a makeshift dehydrator.
- Store dried foods in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
5.2 Smoking
- Build a simple smoker using a wooden box or a hole in the ground, and create a rack to suspend food above the smoke.
- Use hardwoods like hickory or oak to generate smoke, and smoke meat or fish for several hours or days.
5.3 Fermentation
- Ferment vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or cucumbers in a saltwater brine to create pickles or sauerkraut.
- Use airtight containers and allow fermentation to occur at room temperature for several days to weeks.
In a crisis where technology and modern conveniences are unavailable, securing a reliable food source is crucial for survival. By learning and practicing the skills outlined in this guide, such as foraging, hunting, fishing, primitive cooking, and food preservation, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones have access to sustenance in challenging circumstances. Remember to prioritize food safety, be resourceful, and adapt to your surroundings to give yourself the best chance of thriving in a post-apocalyptic world. Print this guide and add it to your collection of valuable crisis survival information. While we hope you’ll never need to use these skills, having this knowledge readily available can make a significant difference in your ability to secure food and maintain your well-being during difficult times.