Food and nutrition security represents one of humanity’s most significant global challenges. Rural communities in developing countries depend on edible wild plants to fulfill their nutritional needs during periods of food scarcity. The objectives of this study are: a) to review the existing information regarding the nutritional contributions of wild edible plants, and b) to assess the role of women in the utilization of wild edible plants as food in rural communities within the Shahrood region of Iran. Semi-structured interviews and participatory observations served as the data collection methods. The data were analyzed using usage report indicators. A total of 1,086 use reports were compiled from 44 interviews (20 men and 24 women), covering 67 wild edible plants and one fungus consumed by local communities. Knowledge of wild edible plants was greatest among women, comprising a total of 646 usage reports. Three species, Allium iranicum (Wendelbo) Wendelbo, Mentha longifolia L., and Allium umbilicatum Boiss., with reports numbered 75, 66, and 65 respectively, accounted for the highest usage reports. Our findings emphasize the significance of women\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s traditional knowledge in utilizing wild edible plant resources in this region.

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