Autumn has arrived. Chilly mornings and hedgerows bursting with mellow fruitfulness. Nature has bestowed a rich harvest for humans and wildlife alike.
The bushes are laden with berries and fruits, the brambles bear flowers and a rich palette of berries from the palest green to deepest black. There are sloes and elderberries for gin and wine and blackberries for crumbles and pies.
I caught a few minutes of an interview on local radio yesterday about foraging and how much free food there is to be found in the hedges and ditches. Not just berries and fruits, but dandelions and nettles which can be used in salads, teas or soups.
We seem to have lost our knowledge of the wild harvest which can be gathered on our doorsteps.
Aside from the obvious blackberries and field mushrooms, I know I would be loathe to cook anything else growing outside of the garden for fear of poisoning the family even though we may be missing out on some free delights.
I haven't thought of, much less tasted elderberries in years! But my senses for them are alive today. Thanks, Mairead!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous blog, Mairéad! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading back through your posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your lovely comment on mine, especially so as I now know about this gem. Your photos are just gorgeous, and I love your writing. Delighted to have 'met' you! I'll be adding you to my blogroll, for sure.
A friend of mine has the lucky job of being a professional forager for a hotel/restaurant, here in County Wicklow. She is a mine of fascinating info, and an inspiration! I think I'd be too scared too, unless I had her with me! :-)
Thanks for your kind words Ciara. I'm new to the world of blogging so I'm just trying to find my feet - and voice!
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