How to Make Food in the Forest
Preparing a meal in the forest does not have to be an overly complicated process. You don't have to skimp on flavor either. In fact, it is easy to prepare a nutritious and tasty meal once you get your fire burning. Knowing how to start a fire and cook food in the forest is also a valuable survival skill to learn. Practice building a fire several times before heading into the woods.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Bucket
- Water source
- Metal grill
- Matches or lighter
- Food
- Pots and pans
- Utensils
Instructions
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The Fire
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1
Select a location to build your fire. The fire site needs to be at least 8 feet from any bushes or other vegetation. There should not be any tree limbs hanging over the side. Once you have found the perfect location mark the spot with a stone or stick so you can find it later.
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2
Leave the selected fire site and search for large rocks. Once you have found several rocks, place them in a pile near the fire site.
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3
Construct a "U" shape with the large rocks around the fire site. Make the back of the U shape face the direction of the wind, and make this portion taller than the rest of the "U". This will help block the wind from blowing out the fire. The higher back will also help direct smoke away from the fire.
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4
Crumble up several sheets of paper into small balls. Pile the small balls of paper in the center of the "U" shape. The paper will light quickly and make it easier to start the fire.
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5
Leave the fire site once again and search for kindling material. The best kindling is wood splinters or dead sticks. Any kindling must be thoroughly dry and not green wood.
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6
Place the kindling material across the top of the paper pile in the center of the U shape. Stack a second layer of kindling across the first layer.
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7
Fill a bucket with water. Set the bucket near the fire site. This bucket can be used to put the fire out in an emergency.
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8
Again leave the fire site to search for firewood. Larger sticks and branches from hardwood trees make the best fire wood. Like the kindling material, all fire wood needs to be totally dried out before using in fire. Stack any fire wood you find near the fire site.
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9
Light the paper balls using a lighter or match. Allow the fire to burn and catch on to the kindling material. When the kindling material starts to catch the flames, gradually add some fire wood. When the fire wood catches the fire, add a few more pieces of fire wood. Continue adding wood until the fire is the desired height.
Cooking
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10
Place the metal grill across the "U" shape, on top of the side rocks. Try to place the grill as level as possible to for easier cooking.
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11
Adjust the height of the flames by shifting the fire wood around with a sturdy stick. If the flames get too low add more firewood to reach the desired height.
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12
Place the food you wish to cook in the pots and pans. Place the pots and pans top of the metal grill in the center of the fire.
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13
Use the utensils as needed to stir or flip over the food. To lower the heat of the food you are cooking, move the pot or pan to another portion of the grill that is not directly over the flames.
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14
Serve the food using the utensils. Remove the pots, pans, and grill from the fire. Soak the entire fire with water until it goes out completely. Roll the stones used to form the "U" over on top of the area where the fire was. Make sure there is no heat coming from the area where the fire was. Add more water if needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the forest regulations before building a fire.
Never leave an unattended fire burning.
Do not build a fire if the ground is very dry.
Do not touch hot fire wood, kindling or paper.
Do not allow the fire to get out of hand.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
