In the last few years, you are more likely to see a Michelin star chef who has foraged his own food on the television than you are one who has just purchased things from a market. There are a few reasons for this shift in people’s attitude to food, but this article is going to be talking about the ‘why‘ of growing your own and foraging. Let’s get into it.
You won’t have tried anything like it before. Much of that which you consider to be simply weeds or just ‘plants’ are utterly brimming with superpowers. Dandelions, purslane, chickweed, and even stinging nettles have been growing organically (of course!) and are packed with nutrients. The flavors are untampered with, meaning the richness, and the sweetness is all natural – nothing added and nothing is taken away.
The learning. To forage with success, you need to be aware of what you can eat or drink and what you can’t. Having potentially poisonous plants out there with the good stuff is a huge motivation to get it right. Children love to forage and from an early age will be interested in the different berries and flowers in your garden and beyond. Foraging is a continual learning journey for food, medicine and a deep understanding of the nature you are surrounded by.
Nature has a beautiful way of growing things that compliment each other nearby. You will often find where there is an apple tree; there is a blackberry bush. So when you head out, you’re like going to come back with much more than you had initially planned. Because it is all so fresh, it will store better and for longer than anything you buy at the grocery store.
It is truly organic.
Foraging means you are at the mercy of the seasons and your gathering trips will reflect that in the flavors of your food. Growing your own fruits and vegetables alongside foraging will mean that should you wish to have out of season but still organically grown fruit or vegetables you have them available. It gives you a little more choice.
It couldn’t be healthier for you. Aside from the fact, nothing you pick will have been coated with chemicals, or heaving with hormones and growth fluids, all of the walking and carrying will keep you healthy. The food you prepare will always be the freshest you can have. Sincerely from the earth to the body.
The money you will save can be pretty shocking. If you head to a local health food shop, you might be looking at £1.99 for a bunch of dandelions, whereas in your local field? All free, and you can get way more than you would in a store.
In general, when you come home, lay the banquet tablecloths on the table, and fill the plates with hand-picked, unique flavors, and the most vibrant colors that nature can give you. You are bound to be glowing inside and out knowing where everything has come from, and how it got there.
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