Food

Autumnal foraging: Is there anything left to pick?

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BBC Food – Autumnal foraging: Is there anything left to pick?.

English: Alaska wild berries from the Innoko N...
Alaska wild berries from the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After one of the wettest summers on record, autumnal berries and nuts are scarce on the ground.

Soft fruit such as blackberries, elderberries and hawthorn have been patchy this year, says the British Trust for Ornithology and rowan berries have not fruited properly. What is there to pick this autumn?

Claudio Bincoletto, a professional forager, chef and horticulturist takes us on a tour of edible plants and cooks up an autumnal dish of wild duck with foraged leaves, walnuts and flowers at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond.

Disclaimer: The Food Standards Agency has issued safety advice on foraging for wild food: “Always make sure you know exactly what it is that you are picking. If you have any doubt, don’t. Guide books to identify plants and mushrooms may be helpful or, even better, take someone with you who is experienced in identifying edible plants.” Read more including about suitable fruits and plants to pick on its website.

Sea Foraging in Dorset

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John Wright, River Cottages forager-in-chief, takes Alastair Sawday down to Osmington Mills on Dorsets Jurassic Coast in the search of an alfresco dinner. Together they find, pick and cook the finest meal the Weymouth coastline can offer

Foraging is an excellent way to supplement your supplies on any adventure and will expose you to a world of new tastes.