The Forager Newsletter: Blackberries, Truffle Season and Shroom time...
A Tribute to our most loved Blackberries
Firstly, let me apologize for my absence in recent weeks. Although summertime is one of my favourite times to forage for wild goods, it was a busy time for me personally as we added a new member to our family. Now that she is here safe and sound I am ready to pick up my gloves and head for the hills once again.
In this months newsletter I would like to introduce you to June who was born in July. My newest little forager friend…
We will discover all of the reasons to love Blackberries and the delicious treats you can devour if you give them the attention that they deserve. I have a special note about truffles and a lovely hunter I met in Italy called Massimo. I won’t focus too much on mushrooms until next month as they need a dedicated space but I will set the scene for next month.
WHAT’S INSIDE THE FORAGER FOR SEPTEMBER
Reasons to enjoy picking wild Blackberries
Berrylicious recipes - The humble crumble and a berry smoothie
Truffle Season! Why do chefs love this wild treasure and an unmissable tour
7 Fun Facts about Mushrooms
Food for thought: What I’ve been reading
An Obituary for Autumn Fruits
Why Eating Blackberries and Picking Wild Blackberries is Good for You…
Take some time to enjoy the last of the berry season this week. In late summer and early autumn there's nothing quite like the thrill of plucking ripe, juicy blackberries from a tangled thicket of prickly brambles. Not only is blackberry picking a fun and adventurous activity, but it also comes with a host of health benefits. So, grab your basket and let's explore why eating blackberries is not only good for us
1. A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse
Blackberries are a nutritional powerhouse. These little berries are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them a smart addition to your diet. They're a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and keeps your skin glowing. Plus, they provide a healthy dose of vitamin K, essential for bone health.
2. Antioxidant Rich
Blackberries are bursting with antioxidants, which help combat the damaging effects of free radicals in your body. These antioxidants can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and slow down the aging process. Who knew that a handful of blackberries could be your secret weapon against wrinkles?
3. Fiber for Digestive Health
If you're looking to improve your digestive health, blackberries are your ally. They're loaded with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help prevent constipation. Fiber also helps you feel fuller for longer, making blackberries a great choice for those looking to manage their weight.
4. Heart-Healthy Goodness
For a happy heart, look no further than blackberries. They're rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. The high levels of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid found in blackberries, can also help lower cholesterol levels.
5. Weight Management
Blackberries are a delicious snack for anyone trying to shed a few pounds. Their low-calorie content and high fiber levels make them a satisfying and guilt-free choice. Plus, their natural sweetness can curb your sugar cravings, making it easier to stick to your healthy eating plan.
6. Adventure Awaits
Venturing into the blackberry thicket is like stepping into a wild, natural treasure trove. The thrill of the hunt, navigating through the prickly vines, and discovering clusters of plump, ripe blackberries hidden among the leaves is an adventure in itself. It's nature's version of a scavenger hunt.
7. Connect with Nature
Picking blackberries is a fantastic way to connect with the great outdoors. You're not just collecting food; you're immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of nature. The fresh air, the rustle of leaves, and the chirping of birds all enhance the experience.
8. Family Bonding
Whether you're picking with friends or family, blackberry picking is a communal activity that promotes bonding and teamwork. Share stories, compete for the juiciest berry, and make lasting memories as you collect your fruity treasure.
9. Fresh, Sweet Rewards
The satisfaction of plucking your own food and enjoying the sweet rewards is unbeatable. There's something deeply rewarding about tasting the fruits of your labor.
Here are some of my favourite blackberry recipes. I could eat crumble all day, everyday. Please send me some pics if you try any at home.
Apple and Blackberry Crumble
There is nothing as delicious as a handpicked, homemade apple and blackberry crumble.
Crumble Ingredients
150g plain flour
80g caster sugar
70g unsalted butter
Fruit Mix
300g Apples
3 cups of wild blackberries
30g of demerara sugar
30g of butter
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
For the crumble:
Be prepared to get your hands dirty here. Add the flour to a large bowl. Cut the butter into small squares and add to the same bowl. Wash your hands and dry them. Now put your finger tips into the bowl and begin to crumble your mixture. The mix should look like small pieces of soft granola. If you over mix, it will become light and fluffy. You don’t want this to happen so avoid rubbing too much. You want some bigger crumble bits to go alongside the chunky apple.
For the fruit layer:
Carefully peel and chop apples into small and big chunks. Don’t worry about perfect sizes, this recipe is supposed to be messy. Enjoy chopping up your apples into different sizes. Put your freshly picked blackberries into a small bowl and wash them gently under cool water. Add the apples to a pot and add a small small of water. Leave them to stew for 5 to 10 minutes. Now add the blackberries. They will quickly stew into a nice juice Slowly pour 1 cup of sugar over the mixture. Leave them to stew on a low heat for 10 minutes.
Now you are ready to put your crumbly dessert together. Start by pouring the Apple and blackberry mix into an oven dish. Now sprinkle your crumble over the top. Place the dish in your heated over for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm with a side of vanilla ice cream.
Blackberry and Banana Smoothie
1 Cup of Blackberries
1 Banana
1/2 cup of Natural Yogurt
1 teaspoon of Natural Honey
Truffle Season
Truffle hunting is a skillful art, often involving specially trained dogs or pigs, as these creatures have an uncanny ability to detect the scent of ripe truffles hidden beneath the earth. They are subterranean fungi that grow underground, forming symbiotic relationships with the roots of certain trees, primarily oak, hazelnut, and beech. The most famous truffle varieties today are found in Italy and France.
So why are chefs obsessed with these nuggets of gastronomic gold? The aromatic fungi is renowned for its intoxicating smell and often featured in the most high end restaurants of the world. This produces a flavor like no other. It is often described as luxurious, earthy, rich and complex. Black truffles (Tuber melanosporum) offer a robust, musky flavor, while white truffles (Tuber magnatum) are prized for their intense, garlicky aroma and delicate flavor. These distinctive qualities make truffles a wonderful ingredient in gourmet cooking.
They can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta and risotto to omelets, sauces, and even desserts. A few shavings of truffle can elevate a simple pasta dish or scrambled eggs to gourmet heights.
The most delicious truffles are scarce which increases their value. Truffles are available only during specific seasons. Black truffles typically peak in winter, while white truffles are at their prime during the fall.
Truffles inspire chefs to push the boundaries of creativity in the kitchen. The challenge of working with such a delicate and potent ingredient fuels their culinary ingenuity, resulting in innovative and memorable dishes that leave a lasting impression on diners.
A few years ago I cycled over the hills of Tuscany with a group of people on a trail known as the Via Francigena. This is a pilgrimage that takes you through some of the most beautiful Tuscan villages. One of those towns was called San Miniato and this is where we met Massimo. Massimo is a renowned Truffle hunter who will bring you on a guided tour with his lovely dog Pepe. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone interested in learning about the truffles of Italy.
Mysteries of the Mycological World: 7 Fascinating Facts about Shrooms
Although so tempting I won’t fully dive into the world of mushrooms as it requires its own dedicated newsletter. Next month we will cover the most popular varieties of wild mushrooms. Here are some edible wild mushrooms that you can keep an eye out for in the meantime - Top 10 unusual mushrooms that you can find in the woods. For now, I will leave you with a few fun facts about shrooms.
Mushrooms – those enigmatic, earthy morsels that can either elevate your pizza or send you on a wild trip. They're much more than just a pizza topping or a trippy substance; they're a world of wonders waiting to be explored. So, let's dive headfirst into the fertile forest floor of mycology and uncover seven truly fascinating mushroom facts:
1. Largest Living Organism on Earth
Imagine discovering that the largest organism on our planet is not a massive blue whale or a colossal redwood tree, but a mushroom! In eastern Oregon's Malheur National Forest, an Armillaria ostoyae, aptly named the "Honey Fungus," stretches its underground mycelium network over 2,385 acres. It's estimated to be thousands of years old, and its massive subterranean presence reminds us that the true marvels of Earth often lurk beneath the surface.
2. Fungi Can "Eat" Radiation
In the shadow of Chernobyl's nuclear disaster, scientists stumbled upon an astonishing revelation – some mushrooms can thrive in high-radiation environments. The black, pitch-dark Chernobylite mushrooms not only survive but seem to thrive on radiation. They could potentially be used in bioremediation efforts to help clean up contaminated areas.
3. Magic Mushrooms: The Brain's Mysterious Key
If you haven’t heard of microdosing then you may be living under a rock. It is the latest hipster trend and a fascinating area of study. Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," have been shrouded in myth and legend for centuries. They contain the compound psilocybin, which, when ingested, can induce profound altered states of consciousness, leading to hallucinations and a profound sense of interconnectedness. These mysterious fungi have been used in shamanic rituals and are now being studied for their therapeutic potential in treating mental health disorders like depression and PTSD.
4. Glowing Mushrooms: Nature's Nightlights
Deep within the forests of Asia, South America, and even North America, luminescent mushrooms illuminate the darkness. These bioluminescent wonders, like the Ghost Fungus and the Jack-O'-Lantern mushroom, emit an eerie, ethereal glow that has captivated the human imagination for centuries. Some believe they serve as nature's nightlights, guiding nocturnal creatures through the shadows. Take a closer look at this amazing natural phenomenon here
5. Mushroom Communication
Mushrooms have a secret life underground, where they communicate through intricate networks known as the "Wood Wide Web." This vast underground fungal internet is composed of mycorrhizal associations, where fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots. They exchange nutrients, information, and even warnings about potential threats, creating a fascinating web of cooperation beneath our feet.
6. The Truffle Treasure Hunt
Truffles, those highly sought-after gourmet delicacies, are the product of an intricate dance between fungi and the roots of certain trees. Truffle-hunting is a specialized skill, and pigs or dogs are often used to sniff out these elusive treasures. The pungent aroma of truffles is so irresistible that it's said to drive pigs wild, making them the original truffle hunters!
7. The Zombie-Inducing Fungus
Nature has a way of taking us by surprise, and the Cordyceps fungus is a prime example. This parasitic fungus infects insects, takes over their bodies, and forces them to climb to a high point before bursting forth in a gruesome spectacle of spore release. Think of it as the real-life inspiration behind zombie apocalypse stories – a real fungi-controlled horror show!
Mushrooms are more than just ingredients in your favorite dish; they're mysterious, magical, and integral to the natural world. The next time you stumble upon a mushroom, whether in the forest or on your plate, remember that you're encountering a small but significant piece of Earth's vast mycological puzzle.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: WHAT I’VE BEEN READING
A study that uncovers the links between forests and food security
The Quest to save the worlds most Coveted Chocolate
The Fungi mad ladies of long ago
Bioluminescent mushrooms glows in the forests of Meghalaya
In Loving Memory of Our Dearest Fruit Friends
It is with heavy hearts and sticky fingers that we gather here today to bid a fond farewell to some of our most cherished companions – the fruits of autumn. As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, we must acknowledge that our fruity friends have embarked on their final journey to the compost heap in the sky.
First and foremost, we mourn the passing of Mr. Apple McJuicy, a beloved member of the orchard community. He was known for his rosy cheeks and sweet disposition, always hanging out with the coolest bunch in the tree. He leaves behind a juice legacy that will be remembered fondly in pies, cider, and childhood memories.
Next, we say goodbye to Ms. Pear Perfection, who, despite her somewhat pear-shaped figure, was the embodiment of elegance in the fruit bowl. Her undeniable charm and grace will be sorely missed at fancy dinner parties and cheese platters.
Let us not forget the wild and unpredictable cousin, Mr. Blackberry Brooks, who made it a point to keep us on our toes with his ever-changing colours and prickly nature. Although his behavior could be inconsistent, he was always the life of the autumnal fruit party.
In a shocking turn of events, the notorious daredevil, Banana Peel Johnson, met his untimely demise in the most cliché of ways – slipping on his own peel. He was known for his slippery sense of humor and was always ready for a quick laugh. We'll remember him every time we check for hazards on the kitchen floor.
Last but not least, our grapevine informs us that the grape cluster, affectionately known as the "Grapetastic Six," met their fate during an intense game of vine-twister. They will be forever entwined in our memories.
In conclusion, let us raise our glasses (of apple cider) to our dearly departed fruit friends. May their juicy souls find eternal delight in the great compost heap in the sky, where they can mingle with veggie friends and perhaps even spawn a bumper crop of future fruity hilarity.
Rest in peaches, dear fruits of autumn, you will be missed, and your legacy will live on in our pies and punch bowls.