Alternative Ways of Feeding the Family - Foraging Etc.

[Thekindofwindowsfaceslookinat]

I gathered a hhuuuge bagful of wild garlic today and put in the food processor with some toasted sunflower seeds (no pinenuts or other nuts), strong mature Cheddar in lieu of parmesan, and olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning. I also added a pinch of sugar and a little cream as I like the way it softens the wild garlic.

Wild garlic is everywhere right now - you can make a sort-of pesto with whatever hard cheese, oil and seeds/nuts you have.

You can freeze it too.

I feel better that I'm taking back a tiny, tiny bit of control from the supermarkets' food supply issues and that I've got a decent supply of something nutritious that I can stir through hot pasta or something.

People have foraged for hundreds of years, and it's only relatively recently that we stopped doing it. This seems like a good time to try it, as long as you can do it safely re: social distancing etc.

Elderflowers will be around soon too.

Anyone got a bit of expert knowledge? I'd love to pick up more ideas.

There are foraging website. My plan is to reduce portions (half) and be more mindful or any waste.

Of any waste*

Out of curiosity, which part of the wild garlic do you eat?

In lieu of being able to get hold of fresh greens, sprouting beans are great. Yes, I know, you have to buy them (hopefully from a little local store), but it's a darn good way of making sure of some vital nutrients.

We are 'lucky' to have nettles growing in part of our garden. Today is nettle soup day for dd, she will pick them herself and then we will boil them up. Add some garlic (sadly no wild garlic in the garden) and maybe some herbs to taste.

We've got nettles wild garlic and three cornered leek in the garden - nettles are definitely a food source for us, we love them. Just the tips - non woody fresh growth, can be blanched and used like spinach - kids love nettle pizza

I love wild garlic!
But my specialty is wild mushrooms.
Hubby is awesome at fishing for trout.
However I wonder if things like this will still be allowed under a complete lockdown?

Young dandelion leaves instead of rocket, often gathered by my Italian neighbour.

Nettles and dandelion - that's a good idea. I don't know 3 cornered leek - I'll google it.

pollyglot we eat every part of the wild garlic - the green part, bulb and any flowers.

I'd love to forage for mushrooms. I've got several books and I've done a 'mushroom walk' with a mycologist but I haven't actually ever picked any. We've got some in our garden...I'll try to id them.

Going to Sainsbury's feels like foraging to me right now...