Foraging: Part 1 - how to

Nature really does provide for us. Seasonal foods provide nutrients relevant to support us with seasonal health issues. For example, autumn provides us with berries and hips to help strengthen immunity and ward off colds and flus. Spring sees an abundance of nettles to help reduce hay fever symptoms. Foraging foods and herbs is a lovely wellbeing activity to be enjoyed as part of your self care regime. It prompts you to get out in nature and pick food that is nutritious and beneficial for the current season.

Tips for foraging

Do your research - familiarise yourself with a few plants / herbs before you go so you don’t pick anything inedible. And / or use an app to help you identify plants. There is a good list here https://backgarden.org/plant-identification-apps/

Research could also involve how the plant is nutritionally beneficial.

Try to pick from areas away from traffic and other pollution.

Only take what you will eat within the next day or so - leave some for others including birds, insects and animals. Be mindful of the ecosystem.

Ask permission and give thanks - if this practice aligns with you, asking and giving thanks to nature for your bounty is a lovely way to connect with nature and bring a sense of peace and calm.

Leave no footprint - leave the place as you found it.

Perform mindfully - what can you see, hear, smell, feel?

Google recipes for your bounty when you get home and make some new to excite your senses with.

If you enjoy foraging, plan to make trips at the beginning of each season. Eating seasonally helps boost your wellbeing.

Check back for posts on foraging seasonal foods with recipes.