I am sure that I am not alone in giving the beginning of spring a warm welcome! For lovers of foraging and nature, it is a time of abundance with all shades of green appearing across woodland floors and edges of hedgerows.
Its a time of renewal where the world and its inhabitants come to life again. We are glad to feel slight heat from the sun in between the cold wind that still lingers from winter as we listen to the birds singing on a wander.
It is in these moments that I feel truly grateful for the earth we have and the many many gifts we receive from it. From dandelions and their simply magnificent array of uses to wild garlic with its world of flavour and versatility, there really is no other season for foraging quite like spring! Don't get me wrong, I love fungi season (autumn) too, spending most of these months obsessed by what fungi I can tick off my 'still to find' list, but in terms of the variety of wild food groups, no season compares to spring!
Many people start clearing their garden in spring, making it presentable for the summer to come and or for growing season following wet and windy winters. Usually this involves weed killer and some gardening tools to excavate those gnarly 'weeds'. Most of those 'weeds' are infact precious wild foods and medicines! In my garden, you'll find sorrel, plantain, clover, dandelions and more and none are considered weeds to me because I know their value and most importantly, how to appreciate them!
And so, it is my mission this spring and all springs to come, to inform and inspire people to adjust their perspective on how they view these amazing goods that we are lucky to have on our landscapes. Instead of pulling the dandelions out this year, why not start simple by making dandelion fritters by tossing flower heads in a sweet batter and frying until golden? Your tastebuds will thank you! And so will I!
Spring goods to look out for
Wild garlic
Three cornered leek
Hawthorn leaves and flowers
Dandelion
Plantain - broad and narrow leaf
Chickweed
Morels
Dryads Saddles
Salmonberry flowers and leaf
Pignut
Always remember, never take more than you need, leaving plenty for wildlife, the land and others. If you are on medications, give consideration to how wild medicine impacts this.
If on private property, obtain owners permission to harvest.
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