I do wonder, even in these cash-strapped, ultra-inflationary times, how many people take advantage of the free food that nature provides us with. In my experience, not many.
Belinda and I have been 'foragers' for years collecting and using blackberries, plums, apples, mushrooms, wild garlic, nettles and a variety of herbs amongst others.
We are now at the start of the season of 'autumn mists and mellow fruitfulness' and it looks to be an excellent year for blackberries. Our local bushes are laden with fruit with many ripe already but loads more to come. We picked a couple of tubs in about 30 minutes yesterday with very little effort. We use them in pies and crumbles while frozen berries are lovely added to a G&T. This year I have a recipe for blackberry vodka to try which should warm up the odd winter night!
Plums are now at their best and recently I found a tree right beside the A140 laden with fruits that have proved to be very tasty (but obviously needed a good wash). Belinda knocked up a gorgeous plum and ginger upside-down cake yesterday which is going down a treat.
There are many online resources for the forager/cook and books a plenty on the subject for anyone interested. The Forager's Calendar by John Wright is a great place to start.
So, I would urge anyone to get out there and make the most of what nature provides. And by doing so you'll save yourself a bit of money too. Who couldn't do with that in these troubled times?!
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