Top 5 Plants To Forage In The UK
Before supermarkets and online shopping, foraging was our way of life. To forage means to have skills to hunt and identify food for survival.
PLEASE NOTE FOR FIRST TIME FORAGERS :
- Learn to properly identify plants, you have to be 100% sure of the plant before consumption.
- Take a course or a walk with a local expert.
- Be aware of Local Regulations and Respect surroundings.
- Always ask for permission from owners and authorities if you wish to forage private property.
- Stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings. Especially the surroundings that may be contaminated with pollutants.
- Wear the appropriate clothing and gear. Gloves are always handy!
1. Blackberries
Blackberry bushes can be found in parks or growing along a trail somewhere.
You can identify the blackberry bush by the sharp thorny canes arching down with clusters of ripe berries.
Some popular blackberry foraging locations in London are Hampstead Heath park, Richmond park, outside Kew gardens and along the canals of London.
Blackberries are simply delicious on their own, ranging from sweet to tangy. You can pop these on your pancakes or make a blackberry jam that’s fit for any scone.
Best Time to Forage For Blackberries : Late Summer to early Autumn.
2. Dandelions
Every part of the Dandelion plant is edible, from its roots to the leaves. The best time for Dandelions to be foraged is during early Spring, when the plant is not so bitter. Dandelions are available throughout spring and early summer. It is traditionally considered a diuretic, therefore its no surprise that another name found for dandelion, is “piss-a-bed…”
Dandelion can be cooked like you would spinach or kale. If you fancy a dandelion salad, its best sautéed.
The roots can be used to make a tea to aid digestion or for its diuretic properties.
Dandelion is also used as a dye in textiles.
3. Rosehips
Rose Hips, can be foraged from late summer to early autumn. Known to be rich in vitamin C, it is a great food source for wildlife during the colder periods. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, rose hip is used in in various skincare products. Which can aid in fine lines, scars and pigmentation.
Rose hip also makes an excellent jam, jelly, tea and syrup.
4. Elderflower
Elderflower can be foraged from late spring to early summer. But the best time for Elderflower, is from late May and throughout June.
Known for its sweet and floral notes, Elder flower is a popular British cordial. It can made into jams, syrups and as a flavouring for desserts.
5. Ground Elder
Ground Elder is considered to be an invasive weed. It grows in between small spaces, making it killer for other plants. But what is less known about this killer weed, is that it is edible. The young leaves can be plucked from April to June, when the leaves are most tender.
