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The Forager Newsletter Feb 2024 – Springtime Foraging Adventures

Hello Fellow Foragers! We have got you covered for a couple of fun foraging adventures in Springtime.

Let Winter be the time for research, planning, and discussing new beginnings. Spring is the starting point, the time when everything is at your fingertips and the world is waiting to inject energy. I hear you now “come on and just get on with the program”.

So, what can you expect to find inside this months issue of “The Forager” for February? Let’s take a peek!

Foraging in Springtime:
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey through lush forests and meadows as we explore the bounty of nature awakening from its winter slumber. From delicate wildflowers to hearty greens, discover the treasures waiting to be harvested in the great outdoors.

A Wild Cleanse with Sticky Willies (Got to be the best title ever):
Join us as we delve into the world of Sticky Willies and learn how these underrated wild plants can be transformed into a cleansing tonic to kickstart your spring detox. Get ready to feel revitalized and refreshed from the inside out!

Wild Green Walnut Nocino:
Indulge your senses with our irresistible recipe for Wild Green Walnut Nocino, a traditional Italian liqueur infused with the essence of early-harvested walnuts. Sip, savor, and celebrate the flavors of spring with this delicious homemade treat.

Wild Onion Focaccia Recipe:
Elevate your baking game with our mouthwatering recipe for Wild Onion Focaccia, featuring foraged wild onions for a flavorful twist on this classic Italian bread. Impress your friends and family with your culinary prowess!

Food for thought:
Curious about the latest trends in foraging or looking for recommendations on books and podcasts to expand your knowledge? Dive into our “Food for Thought” section, where we share insights on what we’ve been reading and listening to in the world of foraging and beyond.

Subscribe to “The Forager” today and join us on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of springtime foraging. Let’s embrace the season of renewal and rediscover the joy of connecting with nature one wild treasure at a time!

Happy foraging!

wild-garlic-pesto-recipe-orchards-near-me

Wild Garlic Salt: The Benefits of Wild Garlic and a Flavorful Recipe


In the world of foraged delicacies, wild garlic stands out as a verdant gem with a rich history. Also known as ramps, ramsons, or Allium ursinum, this vibrant green herb not only adds a burst of flavor to your dishes but also brings a host of nutritional advantages. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of wild garlic and provide you with a simple yet tantalizing recipe for wild garlic salt.

Benefits of Wild Garlic:

  • Rich in Nutrients: Wild garlic is a nutritional powerhouse, containing vitamins A and C, along with essential minerals like iron and manganese. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being.
  • Immune Boost: The high levels of allicin, the same compound found in garlic, give wild garlic its immune-boosting properties. Regular consumption may help fend off common illnesses and support a robust immune system.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Wild garlic has been linked to cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. Its allicin content plays a role in promoting heart health.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory properties of wild garlic make it a valuable addition to your diet, potentially assisting in managing inflammation-related conditions.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Antioxidants in wild garlic help combat oxidative stress in the body, contributing to cellular health and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Recipe: Wild Garlic Salt

Ingredients

  • 1 cup wild garlic leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 cup coarse sea salt


Instructions:

Harvesting Wild Garlic:

Ensure you are harvesting wild garlic from a clean, pesticide-free environment.
Carefully pluck the leaves, leaving the bulbs and roots intact for sustainable foraging.
Cleaning and Drying:

Wash the wild garlic leaves thoroughly under cold water.
Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
Blending:

In a food processor, combine the wild garlic leaves and coarse sea salt.
Pulse the mixture until the wild garlic is finely chopped, and the salt has absorbed the vibrant green color.
Drying the Wild Garlic Salt:

Spread the wild garlic salt evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Allow it to air-dry for 1-2 days or until the moisture has evaporated.
Storing:

Transfer the dried wild garlic salt to an airtight container.
Store in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness and potency.
Usage Tip: Sprinkle this aromatic wild garlic salt on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even use it as a finishing touch for salads and soups. The distinct flavor of wild garlic will elevate your dishes to new heights.

See more recipes here

Plant of the month: Red Clover aka Trifolium Pratense

Trifolium pratense

Best time to Discover May – September
Colour Purple, Red
Habitat Grasslands and roadsides
Where Throughout Europe

These furry topped plants are a member of the legume family. Often used in herbal medicine and found in many health shops these days, the wonderful Red Clover is abundant throughout Ireland and the UK.

They contain isoflavones, a type of polyphenol and associated with a number of health benefits, including increased antioxidants and maintaining blood vessel health.

USES

In the olden days red clover has been used to treat asthma, coughs and cancer.

Today, Clover tea and small amounts of it in dishes is said to help with high cholesterol, indigestion and menopause symptoms.

Red clover is a friend of their environment, they fix nitrogen into the soil which is absorbed by other plants. “

“The use of forage legumes such as white clover, red clover and lucerne as well as grain legumes such as field beans and peas can significantly reduce the need for the application of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser” (farmingforabetterclimate.org)

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