Hedgerow foraging

[Mikey]

I am struggling to find a book that encompasses what I want from this subject.

Last year I made HFW's Elderflower Champagne, and some Sloe Gin, blackberry jam and crumbles, and some Elderberry Syrup, but didn't make anywhere near as much use as I had intended to of our natural surroundings.

I was meant to attend a mushroom course at the end of September but time eluded me.

Does anyone know of a good book that not only shows images rather than drawings of what you can forage for, but also some recipes of what you can try.

As a novice forager, this would certainly be a very helpful guide.

[Jono]

For for Free is often thought of as the 'bible' I think. By a guy called Richard Mabey.

He was also a consultant for HFW's post River Cottage series, a Cook on the Wild Side. There is an accompanying book that is quite a comprehensive book, with pictures and recipes.

[Jax]

Im no expert in foraging, but there are some very knowledgable guys and girls on here. However I have the James Wong grow your own drugs books and he talks alot about foraging. It all depends on what your into, edibles or cosmetics etc. Have a google around as their are alot of foraging websites.

[Mikey]

I'm only really interested in edible foraging. Elderberry syrup was something that went a little wrong really, but it makes a fantastic cold cure. Its far more potent than blackcurrant or lemon and sweet enough to soothe without adding extra honey, good if your on a diet. Awfully fiddly to make though, and it doesn't half stain your muslin cloths.

I have the richard mabey one, which is good but really concentrates on what is edible as opposed to how best to make use of it. I'll have a look out for the HFW series and see if there is a corresponding book.

[northepaul]

Collins Gem - Food For Free: Amazon.co.uk: Richard Mabey: Books

The Best one

Hedgerow (River Cottage Handbook): Amazon.co.uk: John Wright: Books

Pretty good but not as comprehensive as the first one, however does have some nice recipes in.

Mushrooms: River Cottage Handbook No.1: Amazon.co.uk: John Wright: Books

If your interested in mushrooms. although I would recommend going on a course before you try.


There are loads more books on the subject, some better than others.

[Flummery]

I use the Mabey and if I need to know more I google! Nice to see you back Mikey.

[Mikey]

Thanks northepaul, I find that most of these styled books concentrate on what you can survive on rather than showing you what is out there that has fantastic flavour which far surpasses commercially grown alternatives.

Elderflower champagne was a massive eye opener, TOTALLY GORGEOUS. Also note to any prospective makers of the HFW's way, I gave a friend a bottle which he stored in his larder cupboard, while they were sat down having sunday lunch It exploded and imbedded the glass in the sides of the cupboard!!!!

I love sloe gin as a christmas drink, and blackberries are such a delight. Last year I was looked down on by a family who passed me in a field collecting, the looks and comments were as though I was poor and needed to save money.

[Mikey]

I use the Mabey and if I need to know more I google! Nice to see you back Mikey.

Cheers mum, happy to be back.

[Jax]

Either that or you can just see whats around to forage and then look up recipes.

[Mikey]

Trouble is Jax, there are lots of things that I think look nice, but probably would give me major deli belly.

I meant to try rowan berry jam last year, but didn't get around to asking one of my neighbours if they mind me raiding their tree!! maybe this year.

[taff]

nothing to do with foraging but muslin cloths. I did a first aid in work course at the st.johns ambulance. They do evening classes as well, and they use the arm slings made of cloth, once, and then they throw them out. I took all of them from the bin, washed them [some had a little bit of fake blood on them] and I use those now to strain things. Used them for the quince jelly twice, not a problem.
So if there's a st.johns ambulance center by you, go and see them

[Mikey]

Cool thanks taff.

Spill the beans why is they is calling you's taff den?

Is it cos you is from gods own country like?

[taff]

oes
but I don't speak welsh and the message was too short....

[chris]

I believe it is, as I asked something similar before..if by gods country you mean wales?

[Mikey]

Fi, Dim siarad cymraeg either. Not to worry, I'm as my FIL calls me ketting sais, this I have not spelt correctly but it roughly mean english welshman, in a slightly uncomplimentary way.

where be to, you be from then beaut, or as OH would put it who belongs to that place!