Allium triquetrum After returning to New Zealand from the UK, I was looking to make a pesto like Ramsons, Wild garlic pesto. This is as close as I could get and it makes a damn good oniony/garlicky pesto with an abundant weed. It’s found in the UK where it’s called Read more…
Sonchus sp.. Family: Asteraceae Pūhā or Sow thistle, is a common ‘weed’ throughout New Zealand. It is also found in the United Kingdom and Europe. It can be confused with dandelion as they both have yellow flowers and similar looking leaves. It has a classic blue/green/grey look to the leaves Read more…
Imagine you’re in the 19th century, you look down at your steaming cup of tea, it smells strong and there are fruity notes of red wine in your brew. You’re likely drinking Rosebay Willowherb tea. It was a popular drink in Britain at that time. Imported from Russia and called Read more…
Pamela Michael and her book Edible Wild Plants & Herbs is a fascinating read and a must have for foragers. It is a good place to start from when you begin your foraging journey and the illustrations by Christabel King are so fab you can memorise these and then start Read more…
The flowers are edible and tastier, with a much different flavour to what you thought. Its smell can also grow on you…perhaps? The Flowering currant – Ribes sanguineum has been a plant that I have looked at and admired for its colourful beauty but never wanted to eat it due Read more…
Gorse flowers are definitely out and some things I’m looking forward to making are pickled gorse buds (in salt like a caper) gorse flower cordial, gorse flower wine. I just need to get my hands on a demi-john to prepare the wine. Apparently, the soaked seeds are a flea-repellant. Note: Read more…
Dandelion and Wood Avens roots I’ll be honest…I hadn’t actually dug up Dandelion roots yet. Partly because, it’s technically illegal to remove the roots of any plant on public land, so you’d have to have the plant at home to use the roots. Join me and we’ll go foraging for Read more…
New year new you. It’s worth a go. I don’t totally subscribe to New Year’s resolutions but, after feeling non-optimal healthwise for a while, a few things inspired me to go temporarily gluten-free. I watched an interesting documentary called ‘What’s with wheat’. I’m not a health expert, but I am Read more…
Edinburgh, it turns out has a secret rooftop terrace at the National Museum of Scotland. In my opinion, it’s by far the best part, although I am totally biased. It was a fresh afternoon and the icy breeze hit my face hard, even though I’m wearing a big and long Read more…