Snufkin said:I was doing some trail clearance in my local woods and found quite a few wild raspberry bushes. Also found some young hazelnuts that had dropped from the tree, so I ate them too .
tomtom said:falling rain what do you do to elderberries to make them eadible, i was told it was not very good for you to eat many of them in their "off the tree" state?
falling rain said:tomtom said:I havn't heard that they arn't good for you straight off the tree if you eat too many
strange, i used to eat them off the tree but when i mentioned it on this forum i was told that it wasnt a very good idea, i cant remember who by, or it what thread it was though, as it was some time ago.. i just presumed i had never eaten enought for anything nasty to happen and stopped eating them.. anyone know what the deal is either way?
Toddy said:Oh, and today I have eaten
Mint,
bittercress,
rasps and a *very* sour bramble (too, too early)
thistle nuts
reedmace pollen
Cheers,
Toddy
Jon Pickett said:Cor, I'm all inspired now. Got to do a plant survey tomorrow, will collect some stuff too and let you know tomorrow evening...........
Yes, its an interesting herb, I will have to collect some flowers and try the tea, its meant to be good for heartburn, which I sometimes get. It is also one of our few plants you can make a black dye from. I have also found a recipe to make beer from it as well .Toddy said:Meadowsweet flowers are a better medicine than they are munchies. They make a good tea too. I soak them in hot oil and leave them for a couple of days. Strained, and then thickened with beeswax, it makes an excellent anti inflammatory ointment. The leaves and roots are also used but the flowers are very easy.
At this time of year I gather the just opened flowerheads and dry them in paper bags. When they are really dry I store them in dark glass jars to have through winter. It's one of the real goodies of the still room.
They are also added to homemade beers and wines, heather and meadowsweet ale is good.
Cheers,
Toddy
Well that is the best excuse for buying grolsh I have ever heard, I recommend unwins or even the supermarkets do it these daysfalling rain said:Slightly off topic sorry, and a question for Toddy really but if anyone else knows.........I quite fancy having a go at making some nettle beer and making some chutneys and jams from wild food as far as possible. Do you have any recommendations on where to get jars and bottles suitable for this? preferably the 'grolsch' type bottles for the beer with the rubber seals and some similar jars with seals and the wire locking mechanism. And when is the right time to pick Ash keys for pickling. I've tried some before but have read that they have to be just right or they are a bit tough. Any help or tips appreciated.