The Forager Newsletter: A new year and a new you…time to get organised for a wild year ahead!
A Wild Cupboard, backpack essentials, time for tea...
Many of us march into the new year with a new zest for life. Maybe you have dusted off the Christmas cobwebs, perhaps you have had a difficult time at work or in your personal life during 2023 or you simply want to press the reset button and start fresh.
Whatever your motivations I am glad that you are here and hope that you enjoy some of my foraging adventures this year. My goal is not to preach but to practice the art of foraging, to seek out the best wild produce and to play with whatever each season brings. This year is going to be the year when we take time out to explore the great outdoors and pay a little bit more attention to the natural world around us.
In this months newsletter we are drinking wild tea and getting organised for the year ahead. A good forager knows what to find but more importantly where to find it. Study, research and guidance is needed before you plan your next wild meal.
WHAT’S INSIDE THE FORAGER FOR JANUARY
A Foragers Stash: What’s in your cupboard
Foragers Tools: What’s in your backpack
6 Wild Teas to keep you warm all year round
Food for thought: What I’ve been reading and listening too
Note: I don’t do affiliate links or get any kickback for mentioning anything in this newsletter but I should and if anybody wants to buy me a cup of coffee please feel free to do so anytime :)
A Foragers Stash: What’s in your cupboard
Many foragers like to look very disorganised, giving off those hippie vibes with a style very much in line with the rough tree barks. However the vast majority of foragers that I have met are hyper organised and love to plan ahead.
So stocking up on kitchen essentials is fun for January and necessary for your foraging in the year ahead. Having the right tools in your cupboard can turn your harvest into special treasures and make you extra creative when it comes to playing with those wild treats. Here are a few essentials that we couldn’t go without for our experiments:
1. Wild Spice
No forager's kitchen is complete without an array of wild spices. Dried and ground, these flavorful additions elevate your dishes. From sumac and wild garlic powder to dried nettles and dandelion roots, your spice rack will be a little different from others. See an easy Wild Garlic salt recipe here
2. Infusions
Turn your foraged herbs and flowers into delightful infusions. Invest in a range of glass jars for making wildflower syrups, herbal teas, and infused oils. Wild mint, chamomile, and elderflower concoctions are just a sip away.
3. Foraged Flour
Experiment with alternative flours made from acorns, chestnuts, or cattail pollen. These unique flours add depth and character to your baking, turning the mundane into the extraordinary. Who knew foraging could be so versatile? Note: this takes a lot of time but experimenting with grains is so much fun.
4. Mushroom Magic
Foraging for mushrooms? Equip your kitchen with a reliable mushroom brush to gently clean your finds. A dedicated section of the kitchen counter for mushroom identification guides and spore prints adds a touch of mystery.
5. Dehydrator
Step into the magical world of dehydrators. Transform your foraged fruits, mushrooms, and herbs into snacks that burst with flavor. Pineapple sage chips, anyone?
6. Fermentation
Fermentation vessels are a must for any adventurous forager. Experiment with wild kimchi, pickled ramps, and fermented elderflower cordials. Your kitchen will soon become the talk of the wild food community.
7. Preservation
Equip your pantry with a variety of jars, from small spice jars for wild herb blends to larger jars for pickled goodies. A vacuum sealer becomes your best friend for preserving the freshness of your foraged delights.
8. Woodland Utensils
Embrace the rustic charm with a set of wooden utensils made from foraged wood. Handcrafted spoons and spatulas add a touch of the forest to your culinary escapades.
9. Forager's Cookbooks
Build a library of cookbooks dedicated to wild foraged ingredients. From "The Forager's Feast" to "Wild at the Table," these guides will inspire your culinary creations and guide you through the flavors of the wild. You can download our eBook here to add to your digital library. Maybe in the future we will publish the real deal.
A Foragers Tools: What’s in your backpack
Having the right tools and knowledge is crucial for a successful and sustainable experience. In this guide, we'll explore the must-have equipment and resources to make your foraging expedition a rewarding and mindful endeavor.
Tools of the Trade
1. Linen Bags and Gathering Baskets:
Foraging begins with the right containers. Linen bags are not only eco-friendly but also allow plants to breathe, avoiding unnecessary sweating. Clip-top buckets or tubs can be handy for berries, minimizing the use of plastic.
2. Secateurs and Taylor's Pocket Knife:
Essential for precision, Fiskars secateurs are excellent for snipping through branches, while Taylor's pocket knife is a folding, legal option for cutting stems and leaves. Quality tools make the foraging process efficient and enjoyable.
3. Japanese Digging Tool (Hori Hori) and Metal Ruler:
When it comes to gathering roots or measuring plant parts, a Japanese digging tool with built-in measurements is indispensable. A metal ruler, accurate down to micro-millimeters, ensures precision in your foraging efforts.
4. Pine Tree Gloves:
Though optional, gloves can be useful, especially when handling prickly plants. However, many foragers prefer the sensory experience of using their bare hands to connect more intimately with nature.
Books for Identification and Knowledge
1. Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and Ireland:
A quick overview of 48 plants, this book provides valuable insights into the food and medicinal uses of various species, making it an excellent companion for beginners.
2. Botany in a Day:
This book introduces the pattern method of plant identification, offering a herbal field guide to plant families of North America, which is relevant for Northern Europe, including Britain.
3. Pocket Guide to Wildflower Families:
For quick and easy reference, a pocket guide to wildflower families is an essential tool to identify plants based on their familial characteristics.
4. A Botanist's Vocabulary:
Understanding botanical terms is crucial for accurate identification. A visual learner's go-to, this book simplifies complex terminology with clear explanations and illustrations.
5. Francis Rose Wildflower Key and Collins Wild Flower Guide:
These guides provide in-depth information on wildflowers, helping you navigate the diverse world of plant species. Use them alongside other references for a comprehensive understanding.
Additional Tips for Successful Foraging
1. Drying Rack for Herbs:
I have a full cupboard with racks for herbs and spices. It can get quite messy but if you have some space it is worth it. Someday I promise to get myself a little sheshed. Racks will help to preserve your foraged goods and keep the coloring. It’s also the quickest dying process if you live in the rain (like we do here in Ireland).
Armed with the right tools and knowledge, your foraging adventure can be a fulfilling and sustainable experience. Equip yourself with the essentials, delve into informative books, and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature's bounty. Happy foraging!
TEA TIME
In a world that often moves at an unforgiving pace, there's something deeply comforting about the ritual of brewing a warm cup of tea. Beyond its delightful taste, tea offers a myriad of benefits that extend beyond the cozy embrace of your favorite mug. Let's explore the soothing comforts and healthful advantages that make tea a timeless beverage enjoyed by cultures around the globe. Here is a selection of our favorite wild teas that will keep you warm all year round:
Red Clover Tea
Red clover is one of the most popular wild teas and luckily for us the plant is available for most of the year. The soft spiky purple headed flowers are hard to miss if you find yourself in any wild fielded area. This wild gem is used for lots of traditional medicines. It is often used to treat respiratory issues and skin conditions. Next time you are out for a walk keep an eye out for some clovers. To prepare your red clover tea dry out the flower heads in a warm dry area (a windowsill will work), add three teaspoons of dried flowers to a cup of boiling water, let steep for 10 minutes and enjoy.
Pine Needle Tea
The smell of pine is so enticing it is a wonder why this isn’t the most popular tea of all. Don’t be put off by the prickly pine needles, this tea is rich is Vitamin C and will give your immune system a welcome boost. There are many different species of Pine so be sure to do your research before picking. Spruce Pine is our favourite to use in teas. Be careful to watch out for Yew species as these are toxic. To prepare your tea simply boil a pot of water, add two handfuls of pine needles and drain. It smells like Christmas and you can have it all year round.
Nettle Tea
It is now common knowledge that nettles are a super food. The plant often disgarded and feared for its sting is one of the most valued plants by foragers. Nettles can help with urinary conditions, arthristis and blood sugar management. Always wear thick gloves when picking nettles. Add a spoon of honey and a slice of lemon for a little kick to one of the most popular wild teas.
Chamomile Tea
Also known as the natural calmer, wild chamomile is the ultimate cup of relaxation. The flowers contain the flavour. They look similar to daisies but are much bigger and usually bloom in the summer months. You will find them alongside karst coastal landscapes. Dry out the flower heads and add them to a cup of boiling water for a cup of calm at the weekend. Pregnant women should avoid this herb. This flower also works well with any salad dishes.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
This tea tastes most closely to our common tea leaves found in the supermarkets. However, as with all plants, raspberry leaves contain anti-oxidents and the leaves are packed with nutriants. When you boil it and remove the leaves it looks like your average cup of black tea. It contains a property called fragarine that helps to tone and tighten the pelvic area. Hence why many women use it around their menstual cycle.
Bull Thistle Tea
These plants have to be one of the hardest to forage. These prickly forest friends are easily identifiable with their spear heads and purple flowers. The best tea comes from cooking the roots. Always wear gloves when handling thistles.
We have created a downloadable wild teas poster here for all of the wild tea fans out there. I was trying to charge for my little hand drawings here but the cost doesn’t cover the time and delivery so feel free to download here and use as you wish (if you wish to buy me a coffee you can subscribe to the paid newsletter for a tiny fee).
Enjoy sipping your very own foraged teas this year.
Why sipping wild team is good for the soul
1. A Calming Ritual
The act of making tea is a simple yet profound ritual that invites a moment of pause. Whether you're reaching for a classic black tea or a fragrant herbal infusion, the process of steeping and waiting allows for a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
2. Cozy Warmth
As the steam rises from your cup, enveloping you in a fragrant cloud, you're greeted by a warmth that extends beyond the physical. Tea has a magical way of creating a sense of comfort, like a cozy blanket for the soul.
3. Versatility in Variety
Tea comes in an astounding array of flavors, from bold and robust to delicate and floral. Whether you prefer the assertiveness of a chai or the gentle notes of chamomile, there's a tea variety to suit every palate and mood.
The Healthful Benefits
1. Antioxidant Boost:
Tea, especially green tea, is rich in antioxidants known for their potential to combat free radicals in the body. Regular consumption may contribute to overall well-being and the maintenance of a healthy immune system.
2. Calm for the Mind:
Many teas, such as chamomile and peppermint, are renowned for their calming properties. A warm cup before bedtime can be a natural way to unwind, promoting relaxation and better sleep quality.
3. Digestive Aid:
Herbal teas like ginger and peppermint have been embraced for their digestive benefits. They may help alleviate bloating, soothe indigestion, and provide a gentle remedy for an upset stomach.
4. Hydration Hero:
In the quest for proper hydration, tea stands as a flavorful ally. While it does contain caffeine, the overall hydrating effects of tea make it a healthy alternative to sugary beverages.
Food for thought: What I’ve been reading and listening too
Our Food Environments effect what we eat. Here’s how to change yours to support healthier eating
The Confusing Truth about Arrowroot
Could sinking tons of seaweed to the ocean floor help combat climate change
Love what's in the "Food for Thought" section. I'm constantly thinking about food environments for school - and I think foragers have a very different relationship food environments than the way they're typically described in academic texts.