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Orach (Saltbush) – edible wild plant – how to find, identify, prepare, and other uses for survival.

Orach plant (Atriplex species)

Orach or Mountain SpinachThe edible Orach plant (also known as Saltbush, Garden Orache, Red Orache, Mountain Spinach, or French Spinach) is vine-like in growth and can grow erect to 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) in height.  It has arrowhead-shaped, somewhat oblong, alternate leaves up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. The leaves are thin in texture and slightly acidic in taste. Young leaves may be silver-colored and mature leaves can be red, white, or green. Its flowers and fruits are small and inconspicuous and can be greenish or reddish in color.  The seeds are small, black, and surrounded by a thin, pale-yellow membrane.

There are many species of, and the variety of appearances may make the plant difficult to discern.

Garden Orach can be reddish in colorWhere to find the Orach plant in the wild

Orach species are entirety restricted to salty soils. They are found along North America’s coasts and on the shores of alkaline lakes inland. They are also found along seashores from the Mediterranean countries to inland areas in North Africa and eastward to Turkey and central Siberia.  Some species prefer dry, salty soils and can be found in desert areas.

Edible parts of the Orach plant

The entire plant is edible raw or boiled.

Other uses for the Orach plant

  1. Medicinal Purposes: The Orach plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and diarrhea.
  2. Dyeing: The plant produces a natural dye that can be used to color fabrics. The dye produces a range of colors from yellow to purple.
  3. Animal Feed: Orach leaves can be used as a supplement to animal feed. It is rich in protein and minerals that help in improving the health of the animals.

Orach plant picture identification guide

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