Survival 101: 7 Surprising Things From Nature You Can Eat

When the apocalypse comes, you're going to need to be able to live off the land. Of course, you can eat fruit and insects. But there are some unexpected things that will help you in a crunch. Here are some things in nature that humans have eaten since the beginning of time.

The most delicious bark commonly consumed is cinnamon. But if you're in the mood for something more substantial, the inner bark from many trees (called cambium) can be ground into flour, from which you can create your own baked goods and pasta. Pine bark in particular has many health benefits.

There are a few varieties of these desert plants that are edible. One example is the nopal cactus, which tastes like cucumber and is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.

Dandelions are rich in Vitamin C, A and K, along with antioxidants. They're also a great source of iron and potassium. Many cultures use them as medicine to treat inflammation. Other flowers that are edible are wild rose, trout lily, daisies, violets, honeysuckle, clover, passionflower and chicory. They all contain fiber, vitamins and important antioxidants.

Many folks around the world eat clay as part of their diet on a regular basis. From a health perspective, it's got zinc, minerals and iron. The substance supports healthy digestion by removing toxins from your digestive system.

Folks in China consume these regularly because of their unique taste and high nutritional value. They're made out of the saliva of cave-dwelling birds called swiftlets in Southeast Asia. They're $4,000 a pound and considered a delicacy, and they are rich in protein and amino acids. Bird eggs are high in protein and an excellent food source.

Yes, it’s edible, and a good source of calcium.

Green acorns can be boiled and drained. Dried acorns can be ground into a nutritious flour.