Edible Ferns of the Amur Region and Their Rational Use

Abstract

Currently, despite of the active development of agriculture and the cultivation of many species, the use of wild food plants is relevant. Ferns also belong to such plants. Eight species of edible ferns grow in the Amur Region, of which 6 species are widespread and form large thickets. The population of the Amur Region uses 4 species for food, the most common is Pteridium japonicum, rarely –Athyrium sinense, Athyrium monomachii, Dryopteris expansa. The literature data on bracken harvesting on the territory of the Amur Region from 1970 to 2019 are presented. It was revealed that the collection takes place spontaneously and unsystematically. Irrational harvesting of raw materials leads to a decrease in yield and quality of harvested products. To restore bracken thickets after collecting, a recovery period of 4-8 years is required. Schemes for the use of fern populations are proposed, taking into account the period of their recovery. For a reasonable recommendation for the use of Athyrium sinense, Athyrium monomachii, Dryopteris expansa, Onoclea interrupta, Diplazium sibiricum in food, it is necessary to conduct research on their chemical composition, nutritional value, methods of preparation and storage.