The Forager Newsletter: Rose Water, Coastal foraging, Food for thought...
You can't escape the colours of May. Enjoy a taste of the land and the sea at this time of the year.
WHAT’S INSIDE THE FORAGER FOR MAY
Stop to Smell and Taste the Roses - Dog Rose Foraging
Coastal Foraging for Beginners
A Wild Summer Salad
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 :)
Dog Rose aka Rosa Canina
Did you know that roses are steeped in mythology and folklore? One ancient Greek myth tells that roses were white until Venus's blood stained them red as she came to the aid of her lover. In England, wild rose galls were believed to cure ailments like whooping cough and toothache.
If you have stepped inside any pharmacy or health store recently you will have stumbled upon a bottle of rose water, a natural addition to your skin care regime that there is really no need to pay for.
Discovering the Delicate beauty of Dog Rose Petals is a treat every May. Here in Ireland the Irish name ‘muc-chaor’ (meaning ‘pig berry’) refers to its bristly seeds. The name 'dog rose' has historical roots tied to folklore, including its use in treating mad dog bites and its sharp thorns.
When you look out for them they are hard to miss as they are usually white petals contrasting against large swaths of greenery. I am lucky to have plenty of these in my local park.
Uses for Dog Rose Petals
Dog rose petals have been cherished for their delicate flavor and fragrance. Here are some delightful ways to use them in your kitchen:
Salads: Add fresh petals to salads for a splash of color and a hint of floral taste. Harvest petals in late July from roses that have already started to shed.
Rose Petal Jam: A popular treat in the Middle East, often enjoyed with yogurt.
Petal Vinegar: Infuse vinegar with petals for a subtly flavored condiment.
Rose Water: Create rose water for delicate skin care.
Pickled Rosebuds: A 17th-century favorite, perfect for adding a unique twist to dishes.
Dog rose petals are also excellent for enhancing the fragrance of various dishes and homemade products.
When foraging for dog rose petals always remember to pick them from a clean area, free from pesticides.Harvest petals early in the morning after the dew has dried for the best flavor. Be sure to gently pull the petals from the flowers, avoiding any that are wilted or damaged.
And don’t forget that this tree gives throughout the year so return for your Rose Hips in Autumn time. These are a rich source of Vitamin C and can be used to make syrups and added to homemade tarts.
Coastal Foraging: A Beginner’s Guide
Coastal foraging is probably my favourite way to spend a day by the sea. Before the global pandemic this is where I lived, by the sea with fellow foragers, gathering shells in my basket and sand in my hair. There isn’t a better way to live really. You can enjoy connecting with nature, fresh air and discovering the most delicious wild edibles.
In a way it makes you feel like a bit of a pirate searching for sea treasure chests of gold (except the gold comes in the shape of winkles). Whether you’re a seasoned forager or a curious beginner, here’s a friendly guide to get you started on your coastal foraging adventure.
Source: This picture is from one of my guided coastal foraging tours before the pandemic. We found lots of tasty treats on that excursion. Hopefully we can have another weekend of meandering and eating in Ireland again soon.
Note: Always be careful to clean and cook shellfish well and never eat raw foraged shellfish from the seashore. Boil, roast and add to your favourite dishes.
What to Find
In some ways, both of my grandparents were the inspiration for my love of foraging. I would spend summers by the sea with my Nana (Granny), sitting on the seawall in the west of Ireland chewing endless slices of dried delisk (a local seaweed). The saltiness would satisfy any craving and would be a perfect substitute for a bag of crisps. The coast is rich with edible plants, seaweeds, and shellfish. Here are some common finds:
Seaweed: Varieties like kelp, dulse, and sea lettuce are nutritious and can be used in soups, salads, and snacks.
Shellfish: Look for mussels, clams, and oysters. Remember to check local regulations and ensure the area is safe for harvesting.
Edible Plants: Samphire (sea asparagus), sea kale, and sea purslane are tasty and often found along the shoreline.
Crabs and Small Fish: If you're near rocky pools, you might find small crabs and fish suitable for a simple seafood meal.
Timing is crucial for successful coastal foraging. Always aim for low tide as this is when the most shoreline is exposed, revealing seaweed, shellfish, and edible plants.
Also consider the time of year. Again on my Nanas advice, never pick shellfish outside of the summer months. Seaweeds and plants can be plucked throughout Spring and summer. Remember to always check local guidelines for specific harvesting seasons to ensure sustainability.
What to Bring
Being prepared is key to a fun and safe foraging experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools: A small knife or scissors for cutting seaweed and plants, a bucket or basket for collecting your finds, and a mesh bag for shellfish. Remember never to pull the seaweed to hard from the rocks. Instead cut it gently, allowing it to grow back to full health again.
Gear: Wear non-slip shoes or boots to navigate rocky or slippery areas safely. Gloves can also protect your hands from sharp rocks and shells.
Guidebook: Bring a coastal foraging guidebook to help identify edible species and avoid toxic ones.
Sustainable Practices: Only take what you need and avoid over-harvesting. Leave enough behind to ensure the ecosystem remains healthy.
Don’t forget to check the tides before you go. There has been many times when I have arrived at the beach to only find waves to greet me.
Tips for a Successful Coastal Foraging Adventure
Always do Your Research. Learn about the local coastline and what you can expect to find. Some areas are more abundant in certain species than others. It can be the same as mushroom hunting in that sense. You will find one part of the coastline that provides more of certain types of shellfish species.
Respect the Environment that you are foraging in. Stick to paths and avoid trampling on delicate ecosystems.
Go with local experts. I am bias as I used to run foraging tours but if you’re new to foraging, consider joining a guided walk. Local experts can provide invaluable knowledge and ensure a safe and educational experience.
Now that you have embarked on your coastal foraging trip it is time to enjoy your wild goods. Here are some simple ideas for using your shoreline finds: Seaweed salads, Steamed mussels in white wine sauce (one of my favs), Fried samphire with olive oil and garlic, grilled razor clams, the list is endless. I have added a link to some delicious shellfish recipes in our Food for Thought section this month.
Coastal foraging is not only a wonderful way to enjoy fresh, wild food but also a fantastic opportunity to learn more about marine ecosystems and the incredible resources they offer.
I would love to hear all about your coastal adventures and please feel free to share pics, tips and info with us as we build in foraging community.
Food for Thought
A podcast worth listening too right here - Plants can communicate and respond to touch. Does that mean they're intelligent?
Psychedelics could treat some of the worst chronic pain in the world
For anybody interested in the relationship between Fire and Fungi this is a fascinating read. Mushrooms will never cease to amaze me. The Vital Near Magic of Fire Eating Fungi
Happy Foraging All!
As it is nearly peak time in the summer season, next month we will dive a little deeper into the shoreline with my historian and forager friend Denis who has been collecting cockles and mussels from a remote peninsula in the West coast of Ireland for his entire life.