The Forager Newsletter: Winter Foraging here we go - Vitamin C and lots of tea...
From oat balls to steaming hot tea, winter months are full of natural bounties
Foraging is often associated with harvest time as this is when the trees are shedding their delicious fruits but I have found foraged goods throughout the year and the beauty about it is that each season provides what is needed for that time of the year. I truly believe that if we take a moment to stop and listen to nature, it tells us everything we need to know about the world around us and how to live sustainably.
In this months newsletter we will take you through some of the delicious natural treats that can be found in the winter months and a few of my favourite recipes.
WHAT’S INSIDE THE FORAGER FOR NOVEMBER
When and where to go foraging in November
Everything you need to know about Rosehips
Vitamin C Oat Balls
Wild Tea Recipes for the Winter Months
Food for thought: What I’ve been reading
FORAGING IN NOVEMBER
WHAT’S IN SEASON? FORAGING IN NOVEMBER
Mushrooms, Chestnuts, Sheep Sorrel and wild herbs are still available when foraging in November for those wild food lovers who don’t mind braving the elements. Winter is an undiscovered and under utilised time of year to spend in the woods. Rosehips, sloes, crab apples and of course mushrooms are still widely available in November.
By now you may have been out discovering all of the Autumn fruits but wild herbs are still plentiful and you can stock up on your winter tea herbs too. Here are some of my favourite finds in Wintertime:
Rose Hips
Bright red rose hips reach out from the bushes in the months of October and November. It is like they are telling us to stock up on our Vitamin C for the winter. Make delicious rosehip syrup or rose water to clean those pores.
Chestnuts
Sweet chestnuts fall from the trees throughout this month. Be careful to avoid the common conker which can have a similar looking shell to your chestnuts. Sweet chestnuts come in packs of three when you open the nut casing.
Crab Apples
This sweet fruit is often overlooked, maybe its the name that puts people off but making crab apple jelly is a great way to use this fruit. Add some cinnamon to your jelly recipe for an extra kick or why not try a winter chutney for Christmas time. Okay maybe its a little early to start talking about Christmas but with all of these wild goods you will want to show off your wild knowledge around the Christmas dinner table.
Sheep Sorrel
This tiny green plant grows nearly year round and packs a punch when it comes to its sour flavour. It contains oxalic acid which gives it a tangy flavor but it is a great addition to salads and soups. Sheep Sorrel is a great extra leaf to add to any green dish.
Gorse Flowers
This is the flower that just keeps on giving. In Springtime and late Autumn the yellow flowers burst to life and it is hard to walk through a mountainside in Ireland without stumbling upon it. This bright yellowed flower makes a tasty coconut flavored wine. Don’t believe us? Give it a try. This is home brew not to be missed.
Hen of the Woods mushrooms
Often found at the bottom of an oak tree, Hen of the Woods is also known as Maitake mushrooms. When you find a Hen of the Woods it is likely you will find more around the same tree. Look out for giant oak trees and you could be in luck. Clean them, roast them and enjoy the flavors of the Earth. We want to point out that there are several poisonous species of mushrooms so always try to go hunting for mushrooms with an expert.
Pine
The smell of pine trees is just an inviting as any berry during summertime. This plant is rich in vitamins and used to prevent scurvy in the 18th century. It is the perfect addition to your tea recipes in winter time Be careful not to confuse this wild treat with needles from a Yew tree.
Sloe Berries
Everyone has heard of sloe gin but have you ever tasted the berries. They are delicious. November is a great time to forage for your sloes. They make delicious jam, jelly and add an extra spark to any winter cocktail.
Herb Robert
Herb Robert (aka Geranium robertianum) is easy to miss as it is so small along the edges of the woods but once you find it you will keep stumbling upon it. All parts of this tiny herb, the flower, the leaves and the root have been used to cure ailments in the past. Make tea with the leaves, add the pretty pink flowers to your flowers. The herb contains ellagic acid and is a natural source of germanium.
Other wild edibles to keep an eye out for in the month of November include: Oyster mushrooms, Navelwort, winter chanterelles, hawthorn berries, wood sorrel and dandelions.
When and where to go foraging in November
Coastal foraging is popular in the Spring and Summer months but the woodlands is the place to be for the Autumn and winter months. This is where most of the wild plants stay dry in the winter months. Head out for a walk in the local woods. Avoid foraging in local parks as many of the plants may have been sprayed. Never pick something that you cannot identify, especially mushrooms. People are aware that their are poisonous mushrooms out there but often people don’t realise that they can grow next to the edible species and look quite similar. Always go foraging with an expert who knows the local land.
What to Bring Foraging Adventure
A pair of scissors, or a good pocket knife for mushroom hunting.
A wicker basket or a reusable container.
Gloves
Sturdy shoes or boots
Long sleeves and pants (trousers) to protect from nettles, thorns and poison ivy
A small notebook for keeping track of all of your finds.
Foraging for Rosehips and the Secret Garden of Health
In the age of superfoods and wellness trends, the humble rosehip often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by flashier counterparts. Yet, hidden within the wild and thorny bushes, these ruby-red treasures hold a plethora of benefits for both our taste buds and our well-being. Join us on a journey through the enchanting world of foraging for rosehips, and discover why these small fruits are becoming the wellness world's best-kept secret.
Foraging for rosehips is a delightful adventure that takes you outdoors, connecting you with nature and the changing seasons. These small, round or oval fruits develop after the petals of the wild rose fall away, leaving behind a vibrant display of red or orange orbs. They can be found in hedgerows, meadows, and even your own backyard, depending on the species.
The Benefits of Rosehips
Vitamin C Powerhouse
Rosehips are renowned for their incredibly high vitamin C content, surpassing even oranges. This essential nutrient supports the immune system, aids in collagen production for healthy skin, and acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative stress in the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The vibrant color of rosehips is a visual indicator of their rich antioxidant content, which includes flavonoids and carotenoids. These compounds contribute to the fruit's anti-inflammatory properties, making rosehips a natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis and joint pain.
Boosting Heart Health
The presence of polyphenols in rosehips has been linked to cardiovascular health. These compounds may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, making rosehips a heart-friendly addition to your diet.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Rosehips aren't just a one-trick pony. They also contain vitamins A, B, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. This nutrient-packed profile makes them an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
Foraging for Rosehips Tips and Tricks
Ensure they come from unsprayed and unpolluted areas to reap the full benefits.
Wait until the first frost to harvest rosehips, as this helps sweeten the flavor.
Use scissors to cut the hips, leaving the stem attached for easier handling.
Remove the seeds and irritating hairs inside the rosehips before use. This can be done by cutting the hips in half and scooping out the insides.
Rosehips can be enjoyed fresh, but they are also easily preserved. Dry them for teas, infuse them into oils, or turn them into flavorful jams and syrups.
Now for something a little tasty…
VITAMIN C OAT BALLS
Believe me when I tell you that these are some of the best balls you will ever taste!!! Now that you know everything there is to know about the benefits of rosehips it is time to use them in some of your recipes. We have come up with the most delicious way to use up your unused hips at this time of the year. Here is our delicious Oat ball recipe, made with freshly foraged and dried rosehips.
Ingredients
Oats (3 cups)
Brown Sugar (1/2 cup)
Honey (5 Tablespoons)
Condensed Milk (1/4 can)
Dried and Fresh Rosehips (2 handfuls)
Blackberries (1 handful)
Grated Apples x 2
Dark Chocolate (1 Bar – 200g)
Sea Salt (1 Tablespoon)
How to make Vitamin C Oat Balls
Step 1. Head out on a local foraging adventure to pick some fresh rosehips or buy dried rosehips from us if you don’t have time.
Step 2. Gather the other ingredients of oats, sugar, honey and condensed milk and gently combine them. Stir in a handful of raisins and two handfuls of loosely chopped dried rosehips. Now add two grated apples and a handful of blackberries.
Step 3. Roll this mixture into small balls and leave in a heated oven for 20 – 25 minutes.
Step 4. While your oat balls are in the oven heat some dark chocolate over a hot pan. Add a tablespoon of sea salt.
Step 5. Take your balls from the oven and coat them in the chocolate, leave in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Voila, you have your very own foraged Vitamin C oat balls. It is easy to play with this recipe, adding different seasonal products at different times of the year. We will give some Spring Oat balls a go in a couple of months.