FORAGING LESSONS
This year I want to learn more about edible weeds, funghi and foraging.
Today I spent some time at a friend’s rural property doing a self harvest to get the ball rolling. I collected cumquats, lemons and blackberries from some weedy thickets along a fence line.
Things I learnt:
- U-pick or foraging takes time. It’s not an easy way to get a huge feed quickly.
- Correct protective clothing, cutting tools, collection and basic first aid equipment are required. Thorns and scratches are inevitable.
- I have a whole new respect for the members of traditional cultures who bore the ‘gatherer’ role within the tribe. Gathering takes time and skill to collect enough to sustain people.
Some of this produce is already ear marked for recipes. The rest will get frozen as a resource for later.
