Hello there foragers and gatherers!
I've transitioned instances, but I am the one running this community. Hoping to grow this community now that the long cold winter is finally coming to and end, at least here in Scandinavia. It's been a while since anything has happened in this community, most likely due to the winter and there not being many possibilities for foraging that time of year. However, it's now warming up, so it would be super nice to see some more activity in this community again, and I'll do my best to put the word out there that this community exists for more to join.
Here are a few things I plan on doing this spring! βοΈ
- One of my all-time favourite things to do gather during the spring is birch sap! But please do be careful how you do this, as it can heavily damage a tree. It's a very healthy drink and tastes super good. Here is a video that let's you know how to do it :) This sap can also be turned into syrup which is great for desserts and drinks. Let me know if there is any interest on this syrup and I'll write up a guide on how to do it!
Plants and herbs I try to look for during Spring:
- Wild garlic, ramsons, and victory onion - The wild gourmet onions
- Nettle - wild spinach
- Ground elder - nature's wild parsley
- Garlic mustard - wild garlic
- Rowan tree leaf(sprouts) - the forest's marzipan
- Maple tree blossoms - the forest's nectar fireworks
- Sorrel - the taste of spring
- Ground elder shoots - Nature's answer to vanilla
Let me know what you're planning on foraging in the next few weeks, and happy foraging! π
I just started foraging recently and I have one question about foraging in alleyways. I know to avoid plants on the side of the road since they can contain heavy metals and dust particles but what about small alleyways? The side of my house between a fence and an alley has lots of lambs quarter, motherwort and wild onion. Is it safe to harvest of I wash it?
We live in a polluted world. I donβt think itβs worth stressing about. Doubt a couple of weeds will measurably increase your exposure to environmental toxins. Most important health impacts are from air pollution generally.