LEAF Network Linking Edible Arizona Forests

The goal of the LEAF Network is to connect people with the benefits of edible trees, and to connect edible trees with the stewardship of people.

HARVEST the Abundance

Now comes the fun part—harvesting the fruits, nuts, seeds and pods that trees produce! Gather people to help harvest, making sure site conditions are safe, tools are used correctly and people watch out for one another. Assemble tools that are appropriate for the types and sizes of the trees. Use harvesting techniques suitable for the size, hardiness or tenderness of the produce being harvested. Transport and store the harvest in containers that keep fruits, nuts, seeds and pods clean and undamaged. You can prepare and eat foods fresh and preserve foods to enjoy weeks and months ahead. Enjoy and celebrate the fresh, nutritious, local bounty with family, friends and community. Recipes are provided as pdfs to use and adapt. Click the links below to learn more.

Safety First

Equipment and Techniques

When to Pick

Prepare and Preserve

Share and Celebrate the Bounty

Recipes

CAUTION: Never eat anything that is not properly identified. It is your responsibility to ensure that all fruits, nuts, seeds, pods and other edible products of trees and shrubs are correctly identified and safe to eat before eating them or serving them to others.

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

70 S Val Vista Drive, Suite A3-186, Gilbert, AZ 85296

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.