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| foraging [2025/06/05 17:59] – 172.71.178.50 | foraging [2025/06/05 18:16] (current) – [Chanterelle Mushrooms (Golden Chanterelle, Cantharellus cibarius)] 172.70.86.118 |
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| ====== Free Food and Foraging ====== | ====== Free Food and Foraging ====== |
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| Your ultimate guide to finding free food. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper, an off-grid enthusiast, or simply someone looking to cut down on grocery bills, foraging offers an incredible opportunity to tap into nature’s pantry. Our blog helps people uncover the abundance of wild fruits, nuts, and berries available throughout the year in the UK and use them for free food. With our guidance, you can forage an abundance of free food by harvesting what nature provides. Grab your basket and let’s explore what awaits you every month! | Your ultimate guide to finding free food. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper, an off-grid enthusiast, or simply someone looking to cut down on grocery bills, foraging offers an incredible opportunity to tap into nature’s pantry. Uncover the abundance of wild fruits, nuts, and berries available throughout the year and use them for free food. With our guidance, you can forage an abundance of free food by harvesting what nature provides. Grab your basket and let’s explore what awaits you every month! |
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| **See whats avialable each month below.** | **See whats avialable each month below.** |
| * **Respect private property** and protected areas—always seek permission if you’re unsure. | * **Respect private property** and protected areas—always seek permission if you’re unsure. |
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| Popular foraged foods in the UK include: | Popular foraged foods (in the UK) include: |
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| * Wild garlic (spring) | * Wild garlic (spring) |
| * Hazelnuts and chestnuts (autumn) | * Hazelnuts and chestnuts (autumn) |
| * Mushrooms (autumn—be extra careful with identification!) | * Mushrooms (autumn—be extra careful with identification!) |
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| | Full list of whats available in each month below (add your country). |
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| ==== 2. Urban Foraging: Edible Cities ==== | ==== 2. Urban Foraging: Edible Cities ==== |
| ''Please add your information.'' | ''Please add your information.'' |
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| ===== Plant Preperation Guides ===== | ====== Plant Preparation Guides ====== |
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| ==== Acorns ==== | ===== Acorns (Oak Nuts, Bellotas, Quercus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect acorns from the ground in autumn. Choose those that are brown and free from holes. Acorns are extremely abundant a certain times of year, but not many realise that they are a free food. | * **Harvesting:** Collect acorns from the ground in autumn. Choose those that are brown and free from holes. Acorns are extremely abundant at certain times of year, but not many realise that they are a free food. |
| * **Leaching:** Remove the shells and caps, then soak the acorns in water to leach out the tannins. Change the water several times until it runs clear. | * **Leaching:** Remove the shells and caps, then soak the acorns in water to leach out the tannins. Change the water several times until it runs clear. |
| * **Drying:** Once leached, dry the acorns thoroughly. | * **Drying:** Once leached, dry the acorns thoroughly. |
| * **Grinding:** Grind the dried acorns into flour for baking or cooking. | * **Grinding:** Grind the dried acorns into flour for baking or cooking. |
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| ==== Beech Nuts ==== | ===== Beech Nuts (Beechnuts, Beech Mast, Fagus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather beech nuts in autumn when they fall from the trees. Look for nuts that are brown and firm. | * **Harvesting:** Gather beech nuts in autumn when they fall from the trees. Look for nuts that are brown and firm. |
| * **Shelling:** Remove the outer husk and shell to reveal the edible nut inside. | * **Shelling:** Remove the outer husk and shell to reveal the edible nut inside. |
| * **Eating:** Enjoy them as a snack or use them in recipes like salads or baked goods. | * **Eating:** Enjoy them as a snack or use them in recipes like salads or baked goods. |
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| ==== Blackberries ==== | ===== Blackberries (Brambleberries, Dewberries, Rubus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick blackberries in late summer to early autumn when they are plump, dark, and juicy. They should come off the bush easily. | * **Harvesting:** Pick blackberries in late summer to early autumn when they are plump, dark, and juicy. They should come off the bush easily. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Be careful not to crush the berries. | * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Be careful not to crush the berries. |
| * **Preserving:** Freeze blackberries by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Make them into jams or jellies and store in sterilized jars. | * **Preserving:** Freeze blackberries by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Make them into jams or jellies and store in sterilized jars. |
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| ==== Chestnuts ==== | ===== Chestnuts (Sweet Chestnuts, Castanea) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect chestnuts in autumn. Choose those that are shiny and firm, avoiding any with holes. | * **Harvesting:** Collect chestnuts in autumn. Choose those that are shiny and firm, avoiding any with holes. |
| * **Scoring:** Score the shells with an “X” to prevent them from bursting during cooking. | * **Scoring:** Score the shells with an “X” to prevent them from bursting during cooking. |
| * **Eating:** Enjoy roasted chestnuts as a snack or use them in stuffing, soups, or desserts. | * **Eating:** Enjoy roasted chestnuts as a snack or use them in stuffing, soups, or desserts. |
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| ==== Crab Apples ==== | ===== Crab Apples (Wild Apples, Malus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick crab apples in late summer to early autumn when they are firm and brightly colored. | * **Harvesting:** Pick crab apples in late summer to early autumn when they are firm and brightly colored. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. |
| * **Preserving:** Crab apple jelly is a popular way to preserve them, providing a sweet and tangy spread. | * **Preserving:** Crab apple jelly is a popular way to preserve them, providing a sweet and tangy spread. |
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| ==== Hawthorn Berries ==== | ===== Hawthorn Berries (Mayhaw, Thornapple, Crataegus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect hawthorn berries in late autumn when they are bright red and soft. | * **Harvesting:** Collect hawthorn berries in late autumn when they are bright red and soft. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse the berries under cold water to clean them. | * **Washing:** Rinse the berries under cold water to clean them. |
| * **Preserving:** Make a hawthorn berry jelly or syrup to enjoy their unique flavor year-round. | * **Preserving:** Make a hawthorn berry jelly or syrup to enjoy their unique flavor year-round. |
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| ==== Hazelnuts ==== | ===== Hazelnuts (Filberts, Cobnuts, Corylus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather hazelnuts in late summer to early autumn when they fall from the trees. | * **Harvesting:** Gather hazelnuts in late summer to early autumn when they fall from the trees. |
| * **Drying:** Allow the nuts to dry in a warm, airy place for a few weeks to improve their flavor. | * **Drying:** Allow the nuts to dry in a warm, airy place for a few weeks to improve their flavor. |
| * **Eating:** Enjoy as a snack, or use in baking and cooking. | * **Eating:** Enjoy as a snack, or use in baking and cooking. |
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| ==== Pine Nuts ==== | ===== Pine Nuts (Pignoli, Piñon, Pinus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect pine cones from pine trees in late summer. Look for cones that are starting to open. | * **Harvesting:** Collect pine cones from pine trees in late summer. Look for cones that are starting to open. |
| * **Extracting:** Place the cones in a warm, dry area to allow them to open fully and release the seeds. | * **Extracting:** Place the cones in a warm, dry area to allow them to open fully and release the seeds. |
| * **Shelling:** Remove the seeds from the cones and crack open the hard shells to access the pine nuts. | * **Shelling:** Remove the seeds from the cones and crack open the hard shells to access the pine nuts. |
| * **Roasting:** Lightly roast the pine nuts in a dry pan over low heat until golden for added flavor. | * **Roasting:** Lightly roast the pine nuts in a dry pan over low heat until golden for added flavor. |
| * **Eating:** Use in salads, pesto, or as a topping for dishes. Pine nuts are a luxary free food. | * **Eating:** Use in salads, pesto, or as a topping for dishes. Pine nuts are a luxury free food. |
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| ==== Rosehips ==== | ===== Rosehips (Rose Haws, Rosa) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect rosehips in late autumn, ideally after the first frost, which sweetens them. | * **Harvesting:** Collect rosehips in late autumn, ideally after the first frost, which sweetens them. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Using:** Use Rosehips to make syrups, jams, jellies, or teas. They are rich in vitamin C. | * **Using:** Use rosehips to make syrups, jams, jellies, or teas. They are rich in vitamin C. |
| * **Preparation:** Remove the seeds and hairs inside the rosehips before using, as these can be irritating. Do this by cutting the hips in half and scooping out the insides. | * **Preparation:** Remove the seeds and hairs inside the rosehips before using, as these can be irritating. Do this by cutting the hips in half and scooping out the insides. |
| * **Preserving:** Dry Rosehips for tea or make into syrup and store in sterilized jars. | * **Preserving:** Dry rosehips for tea or make into syrup and store in sterilized jars. |
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| ==== Sloe Berries ==== | ===== Sloe Berries (Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick sloe berries in late autumn, preferably after the first frost, which reduces their astringency. | * **Harvesting:** Pick sloe berries in late autumn, preferably after the first frost, which reduces their astringency. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Using:** Use sloe berries, in the tradional way, to make sloe gin, jams, or jellies. They are very tart and usually require sweetening. | * **Using:** Use sloe berries, in the traditional way, to make sloe gin, jams, or jellies. They are very tart and usually require sweetening. |
| * **Preparation:** Prick each berry with a needle or fork to help release the juices when making sloe gin or preserves. | * **Preparation:** Prick each berry with a needle or fork to help release the juices when making sloe gin or preserves. |
| * **Preserving:** Freeze sloe berries for later use or make them into sloe gin and store in bottles. | * **Preserving:** Freeze sloe berries for later use or make them into sloe gin and store in bottles. |
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| ==== Whitebeam Berries ==== | ===== Whitebeam Berries (Sorbus aria) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect whitebeam berries in autumn when they are fully ripe and have turned a deep red or orange color. | * **Harvesting:** Collect whitebeam berries in autumn when they are fully ripe and have turned a deep red or orange color. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Store whitebeam berry jelly in sterilized jars. | * **Preserving:** Store whitebeam berry jelly in sterilized jars. |
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| ==== Alexanders (Horse Parsley) ==== | ===== Alexanders (Horse Parsley, Smyrnium olusatrum) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather Alexanders in early spring when the shoots are young and tender. | * **Harvesting:** Gather Alexanders in early spring when the shoots are young and tender. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse the shoots under cold water to clean them. | * **Washing:** Rinse the shoots under cold water to clean them. |
| * **Preserving:** Pickle Alexanders or use fresh in recipes. | * **Preserving:** Pickle Alexanders or use fresh in recipes. |
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| ==== Chickweed ==== | ===== Chickweed (Starweed, Stellaria media) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect chickweed in spring and summer when the leaves are fresh and tender. | * **Harvesting:** Collect chickweed in spring and summer when the leaves are fresh and tender. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Eating:** Eat Chickweed raw in salads, or use as a garnish. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. | * **Eating:** Eat chickweed raw in salads, or use as a garnish. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. |
| * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for tea. |
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| ==== Dandelion ==== | ===== Dandelion (Lion’s Tooth, Taraxacum officinale) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick dandelion greens in early spring when the leaves are young and tender. They are another extremely abundant free food. | * **Harvesting:** Pick dandelion greens in early spring when the leaves are young and tender. They are another extremely abundant free food. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Dandelion greens can be blanched and frozen for later use. | * **Preserving:** Dandelion greens can be blanched and frozen for later use. |
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| ==== Nettles ==== | ===== Nettles (Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick young nettle tops in spring while wearing gloves to avoid stings. | * **Harvesting:** Pick young nettle tops in spring while wearing gloves to avoid stings. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse the nettles thoroughly under cold water. | * **Washing:** Rinse the nettles thoroughly under cold water. |
| * **Preserving:** Dry nettles for tea or freeze them for later use in free food recipes. | * **Preserving:** Dry nettles for tea or freeze them for later use in free food recipes. |
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| ==== Sweet Violet ==== | ===== Sweet Violet (Common Violet, Viola odorata) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect sweet violet flowers and leaves in early spring. | * **Harvesting:** Collect sweet violet flowers and leaves in early spring. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Sweet violet flowers can be candied or used to infuse syrups. | * **Preserving:** Sweet violet flowers can be candied or used to infuse syrups. |
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| ==== Velvet Shank Mushrooms ==== | ===== Velvet Shank Mushrooms (Winter Mushroom, Flammulina velutipes, Enoki) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather velvet shank mushrooms in late autumn to winter. Make sure to correctly identify them as edible. | * **Harvesting:** Gather velvet shank mushrooms in late autumn to winter. Make sure to correctly identify them as edible. |
| * **Cleaning:** Brush off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing mushrooms directly under water as they can become soggy. | * **Cleaning:** Brush off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing mushrooms directly under water as they can become soggy. |
| * **Preserving:** They can be dried for later use in soups and stews. | * **Preserving:** They can be dried for later use in soups and stews. |
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| ==== Wild Garlic ==== | ===== Wild Garlic (Ramsons, Ramps, Allium ursinum) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather wild garlic in spring when the leaves are young and tender. Look for their distinctive broad leaves and white flowers. | * **Harvesting:** Gather wild garlic in spring when the leaves are young and tender. Look for their distinctive broad leaves and white flowers. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Blend wild garlic into a pesto or infuse it in oil for later use. | * **Preserving:** Blend wild garlic into a pesto or infuse it in oil for later use. |
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| ==== Goosegrass (Cleavers) ==== | ===== Goosegrass (Cleavers, Stickyweed, Galium aparine) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect goosegrass in spring when the shoots are young and tender. | * **Harvesting:** Collect goosegrass in spring when the shoots are young and tender. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for tea. |
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| ==== Gorse ==== | ===== Gorse (Furze, Whin, Ulex europaeus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect gorse flowers in spring when they are bright yellow and fragrant. | * **Harvesting:** Collect gorse flowers in spring when they are bright yellow and fragrant. |
| * **Washing:** Gently rinse the flowers under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Gently rinse the flowers under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Use gorse flowers fresh or dry them for tea. | * **Preserving:** Use gorse flowers fresh or dry them for tea. |
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| ==== Hawthorn ==== | ===== Hawthorn (Mayhaw, Quickthorn, Crataegus monogyna) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick hawthorn leaves and flowers in spring, and berries (haws) in autumn when they are bright red. | * **Harvesting:** Pick hawthorn leaves and flowers in spring, and berries (haws) in autumn when they are bright red. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly to remove dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly to remove dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Hawthorn berries can be dried or made into preserves. | * **Preserving:** Hawthorn berries can be dried or made into preserves. |
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| ==== Japanese Knotweed ==== | ===== Japanese Knotweed (Japanese Bamboo, Reynoutria japonica, Fallopia japonica) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect young shoots in spring when they are less than 30 cm tall. | * **Harvesting:** Collect young shoots in spring when they are less than 30 cm tall. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Knotweed can be cooked and frozen for later use. | * **Preserving:** Knotweed can be cooked and frozen for later use. |
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| ==== Bramble Leaves ==== | ===== Bramble Leaves (Blackberry Leaves, Rubus fruticosus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick young bramble shoots and leaves in spring. | * **Harvesting:** Pick young bramble shoots and leaves in spring. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Leaves can be dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Leaves can be dried for tea. |
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| ==== Cow Parsley ==== | ===== Cow Parsley (Wild Chervil, Anthriscus sylvestris) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect cow parsley in spring when the leaves are young and tender. Ensure proper identification to avoid confusion with toxic plants like hemlock. | * **Harvesting:** Collect cow parsley in spring when the leaves are young and tender. Ensure proper identification to avoid confusion with toxic plants like hemlock. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for later use. | * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for later use. |
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| ==== Garlic Mustard ==== | ===== Garlic Mustard (Jack-by-the-Hedge, Garlic Root, Alliaria petiolata) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick garlic mustard leaves in spring and early summer. | * **Harvesting:** Pick garlic mustard leaves in spring and early summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water. | * **Washing:** Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water. |
| * **Preserving:** Garlic mustard can be made into a pesto and frozen. | * **Preserving:** Garlic mustard can be made into a pesto and frozen. |
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| ==== Hairy Bittercress ==== | ===== Hairy Bittercress (Land Cress, Cardamine hirsuta) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect hairy bittercress in spring and autumn when the leaves are young. | * **Harvesting:** Collect hairy bittercress in spring and autumn when the leaves are young. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for tea. |
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| ==== Mallow ==== | ===== Mallow (Common Mallow, Cheeseweed, Malva sylvestris) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather mallow leaves and flowers in spring and summer. | * **Harvesting:** Gather mallow leaves and flowers in spring and summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Leaves can be dried for later use in soups or teas. | * **Preserving:** Leaves can be dried for later use in soups or teas. |
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| ==== Lime (Linden) ==== | ===== Lime (Linden, Basswood, Tilia) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect lime (linden) leaves and flowers in late spring to early summer. | * **Harvesting:** Collect lime (linden) leaves and flowers in late spring to early summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Flowers can be dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Flowers can be dried for tea. |
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| ==== Oxeye Daisy ==== | ===== Oxeye Daisy (Moon Daisy, Leucanthemum vulgare) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick young leaves and flower buds in spring and early summer. | * **Harvesting:** Pick young leaves and flower buds in spring and early summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Buds can be pickled for later use. | * **Preserving:** Buds can be pickled for later use. |
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| ==== Red Clover ==== | ===== Red Clover (Trefoil, Trifolium pratense) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect red clover flowers in late spring to early summer. | * **Harvesting:** Collect red clover flowers in late spring to early summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Flowers can be dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Flowers can be dried for tea. |
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| ==== Sorrel ==== | ===== Sorrel (Common Sorrel, Dock, Rumex acetosa) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick sorrel leaves in spring and early summer when they are young and tender. | * **Harvesting:** Pick sorrel leaves in spring and early summer when they are young and tender. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water. | * **Washing:** Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water. |
| * **Preserving:** Sorrel can be pureed and frozen in ice cube trays for later use in soups and sauces. | * **Preserving:** Sorrel can be pureed and frozen in ice cube trays for later use in soups and sauces. |
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| ==== Ash ==== | ===== Ash (European Ash, Ash Keys, Fraxinus excelsior) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect young ash keys (seeds) in late spring to early summer. | * **Harvesting:** Collect young ash keys (seeds) in late spring to early summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Best pickled for later use. | * **Preserving:** Best pickled for later use. |
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| ==== Elderflowers ==== | ===== Elderflowers (Elder, Sambucus nigra) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather elderflowers in late spring to early summer when they are fully open and fragrant. | * **Harvesting:** Gather elderflowers in late spring to early summer when they are fully open and fragrant. |
| * **Washing:** Shake gently to remove insects, but do not wash to preserve the pollen. | * **Washing:** Shake gently to remove insects, but do not wash to preserve the pollen. |
| * **Preserving:** Make into syrup or dry for later use in teas. | * **Preserving:** Make into syrup or dry for later use in teas. |
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| ==== Elderberries ==== | ===== Elderberries (Sambucus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick elderberries in late summer to early autumn when they are dark purple and ripe. | * **Harvesting:** Pick elderberries in late summer to early autumn when they are dark purple and ripe. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Cooked elderberries can be frozen or made into preserves. | * **Preserving:** Cooked elderberries can be frozen or made into preserves. |
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| ==== Gooseberries ==== | ===== Gooseberries (Goosegogs, Ribes uva-crispa) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect gooseberries in early to mid-summer when they are firm and ripe. | * **Harvesting:** Collect gooseberries in early to mid-summer when they are firm and ripe. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water. |
| * **Preserving:** Gooseberries can be frozen or made into jams. | * **Preserving:** Gooseberries can be frozen or made into jams. |
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| ==== Ground Elder ==== | ===== Ground Elder (Bishop’s Weed, Aegopodium podagraria) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick young ground elder leaves in spring and early summer. | * **Harvesting:** Pick young ground elder leaves in spring and early summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be blanched and frozen. | * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be blanched and frozen. |
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| ==== Honeysuckle ==== | ===== Honeysuckle (Woodbine, Lonicera) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect honeysuckle flowers in late spring to early summer. | * **Harvesting:** Collect honeysuckle flowers in late spring to early summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Honeysuckle flowers can be infused in syrups or dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Honeysuckle flowers can be infused in syrups or dried for tea. |
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| ==== Rose ==== | ===== Rose (Dog Rose, Rosa) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick rose petals in late spring to early summer when they are fresh and fragrant. | * **Harvesting:** Pick rose petals in late spring to early summer when they are fresh and fragrant. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Petals can be dried for tea or infused in syrups. | * **Preserving:** Petals can be dried for tea or infused in syrups. |
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| ==== Pineapple Weed ==== | ===== Pineapple Weed (Wild Chamomile, Matricaria discoidea) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect pineapple weed flowers in late spring to early summer. | * **Harvesting:** Collect pineapple weed flowers in late spring to early summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Flowers can be dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Flowers can be dried for tea. |
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| ==== Bilberries ==== | ===== Bilberries (European Blueberry, Huckleberry, Vaccinium myrtillus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick bilberries in mid to late summer when they are dark blue and ripe. | * **Harvesting:** Pick bilberries in mid to late summer when they are dark blue and ripe. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. | * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. |
| * **Preserving:** Bilberries can be frozen or made into jams. | * **Preserving:** Bilberries can be frozen or made into jams. |
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| ==== Chanterelle Mushrooms ==== | ===== Chanterelle Mushrooms (Golden Chanterelle, Cantharellus cibarius) ===== |
| *Take a lot of care when using mushrooms as free food. It can be dangerous to pick the wrong ones.* | __**Take a lot of care when using mushrooms as free food. It can be dangerous to pick the wrong ones.**__ |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect chanterelle mushrooms in summer to early autumn. Ensure proper identification to avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes. | * **Harvesting:** Collect chanterelle mushrooms in summer to early autumn. Ensure proper identification to avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes. |
| * **Cleaning:** Brush off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing directly under water; instead, use a damp cloth. | * **Cleaning:** Brush off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing directly under water; instead, use a damp cloth. |
| * **Cooking:** Chanterelles can be sautéed, added to soups, or used in sauces. They have a rich, nutty flavor. | * **Cooking:** Chanterelles can be sautéed, added to soups, or used in sauces. They have a rich, nutty flavor. |
| * **Preserving:** They can be dried or cooked and frozen for later use. | * **Preserving:** They can be dried or cooked and frozen for later use. |
| | ===== Fat Hen (Lamb’s Quarters, Chenopodium album) ===== |
| ==== Fat Hen ==== | |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick young leaves of fat hen in summer. | * **Harvesting:** Pick young leaves of fat hen in summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be blanched and frozen. | * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be blanched and frozen. |
| |
| ==== Meadowsweet ==== | ===== Meadowsweet (Queen of the Meadow, Filipendula ulmaria) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect meadowsweet flowers in mid to late summer. | * **Harvesting:** Collect meadowsweet flowers in mid to late summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. | * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. |
| * **Preserving:** Flowers can be dried for tea or infused in syrups. | * **Preserving:** Flowers can be dried for tea or infused in syrups. |
| |
| ==== Wild Strawberries ==== | ===== Wild Strawberries (Alpine Strawberry, Fragaria vesca) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick wild strawberries in summer when they are small, red, and ripe. | * **Harvesting:** Pick wild strawberries in summer when they are small, red, and ripe. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** They can be frozen or made into jams. | * **Preserving:** They can be frozen or made into jams. |
| |
| ==== Yarrow ==== | ===== Yarrow (Milfoil, Achillea millefolium) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect yarrow leaves and flowers in summer. | * **Harvesting:** Collect yarrow leaves and flowers in summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Leaves and flowers can be dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Leaves and flowers can be dried for tea. |
| |
| ==== Damsons ==== | ===== Damsons (Damson Plum, Prunus domestica insititia) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick damsons in late summer to early autumn when they are dark blue and ripe. | * **Harvesting:** Pick damsons in late summer to early autumn when they are dark blue and ripe. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Damsons can be frozen or made into preserves. | * **Preserving:** Damsons can be frozen or made into preserves. |
| |
| ==== Greater Plantain ==== | ===== Greater Plantain (Broadleaf Plantain, Plantago major) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect greater plantain leaves in summer. | * **Harvesting:** Collect greater plantain leaves in summer. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for tea. | * **Preserving:** Best used fresh, but can be dried for tea. |
| |
| ==== Rowan Berries ==== | ===== Rowan Berries (Mountain Ash, Sorbus aucuparia) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect rowan berries in late summer to early autumn when they are bright red. | * **Harvesting:** Collect rowan berries in late summer to early autumn when they are bright red. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Cooked rowan berries can be made into preserves or frozen. | * **Preserving:** Cooked rowan berries can be made into preserves or frozen. |
| |
| ==== Bullace ==== | ===== Bullace (Wild Plum, Prunus domestica insititia) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Pick bullace in autumn when they are ripe and slightly soft. | * **Harvesting:** Pick bullace in autumn when they are ripe and slightly soft. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Bullace can be made into preserves or frozen. | * **Preserving:** Bullace can be made into preserves or frozen. |
| |
| ==== Medlars ==== | ===== Medlars (Mespilus germanica) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect medlars in late autumn when they are soft and ripe. | * **Harvesting:** Collect medlars in late autumn when they are soft and ripe. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Medlars can be made into jelly or preserves. | * **Preserving:** Medlars can be made into jelly or preserves. |
| |
| ==== Pine Needles ==== | ===== Pine Needles (Pinus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather fresh pine needles year-round, but they are most aromatic in winter. | * **Harvesting:** Gather fresh pine needles year-round, but they are most aromatic in winter. |
| * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. | * **Washing:** Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. |
| * **Preserving:** Pine needles can be dried for later use in teas. | * **Preserving:** Pine needles can be dried for later use in teas. |
| |
| ==== Pine Seeds (Pine Nuts) ==== | ===== Pine Seeds (Pine Nuts, Pinon, Pinus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect pine cones in late autumn to winter and extract the seeds. | * **Harvesting:** Collect pine cones in late autumn to winter and extract the seeds. |
| * **Washing:** Remove the seeds from the cones and rinse under cold water. | * **Washing:** Remove the seeds from the cones and rinse under cold water. |
| * **Preserving:** Store pine nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. | * **Preserving:** Store pine nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. |
| |
| ==== Sweet Chestnuts ==== | ===== Sweet Chestnuts (Castanea sativa, Castanea dentata) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather sweet chestnuts in autumn when they fall from the trees. | * **Harvesting:** Gather sweet chestnuts in autumn when they fall from the trees. |
| * **Washing:** Remove the outer husks and rinse the nuts under cold water. | * **Washing:** Remove the outer husks and rinse the nuts under cold water. |
| * **Preserving:** Store roasted chestnuts in an airtight container or freeze them. | * **Preserving:** Store roasted chestnuts in an airtight container or freeze them. |
| |
| ==== Walnuts ==== | ===== Walnuts (English Walnut, Black Walnut, Juglans) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Collect walnuts in autumn when they fall from the trees. | * **Harvesting:** Collect walnuts in autumn when they fall from the trees. |
| * **Washing:** Remove the outer husks and rinse the nuts under cold water. | * **Washing:** Remove the outer husks and rinse the nuts under cold water. |
| * **Preserving:** Store walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. | * **Preserving:** Store walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. |
| |
| ==== Hops ==== | ===== Hops (Hop Flowers, Humulus lupulus) ===== |
| * **Harvesting:** Gather hop flowers (cones) in late summer to early autumn when they are fully developed and aromatic. | * **Harvesting:** Gather hop flowers (cones) in late summer to early autumn when they are fully developed and aromatic. |
| * **Washing:** Shake gently to remove insects, but avoid washing to preserve the essential oils. | * **Washing:** Shake gently to remove insects, but avoid washing to preserve the essential oils. |
| * **Using:** Primarily, people use hops for brewing beer, but they can also make herbal teas or use them as a flavoring in cooking. | * **Using:** Primarily, people use hops for brewing beer, but they can also make herbal teas or use them as a flavoring in cooking. |
| * **Preserving:** Dry the hop cones in a cool, dark place and store in airtight containers. | * **Preserving:** Dry the hop cones in a cool, dark place and store in airtight containers. |
| | |
| | ====== Further Reading ====== |
| | * Source: [[https://circuspam.coffee/2025/01/31/discover-free-food-in-the-uk-with-circuspam-coffee/|Circuspam article on UK Wild Foods each month]] |
| | * [[https://www.hubbub.org.uk/the-community-fridge|Community Fridge Network (UK)]] |
| | * [[https://feedbackglobal.org/gleaning-network/|The Gleaning Network]] |
| |
