Wild Foody

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WILD FOODY

Today, Wild Foody is brought to you by sunshine. We don’t have any sponsors yet, but please get in touch with us if you think you might be a fit.

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This is Wild Foody, the foraging newsletter that’s filled more wicker baskets than a Victorian greengrocer.

We have a small but thriving community of weed eaters, seed harvesters, veg pickers, mushroom hunters, and root munchers who are all learning to identify wild edibles and incorporate them into a modern diet. Here’s what we’ve got for you today…

  • Dandelion Roots: Benefits and Uses
  • Walnuts: Benefits and Uses
  • Hawthorne Berries: Benefits and uses

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Dandelion

  • Latin Name: Taraxacum
  • Habitat: Field, hedgerow
  • Edibility: Roots
  • Harvest: Nov – Jan
  • Benefits: Vitamin C
  • Uses: Dandelion root coffee, salads, roasted…

Identifying a dandelion is relatively straightforward as it is a well-known and distinct plant. Here are key features to look for:

  1. Leaves: Dandelion leaves are jagged and tooth-like (hence the name dandelion, derived from the French “dent de lion,” meaning “lion’s tooth”). They form a rosette close to the ground.
  2. Flowers: Dandelions have a bright yellow flower that is very distinctive. Each flower is made up of many small florets. The flowers are typically about 1-2 inches in diameter.
  3. Stem: The stem is hollow and secretes a milky white sap when broken. Dandelion stems are generally not branched and they hold the flower singularly on the top.
  4. Seeds: After flowering, dandelions produce a globular seed head that consists of many single-seeded fruits (achenes) attached to a feathery pappus. This is often called a “dandelion clock,” and it’s the part that gets blown away and scattered in the wind.
  5. Root: Dandelions have a long, thick taproot that can penetrate deep into the soil. The root is usually dark brown and can be quite tough.
  6. Habitat: Dandelions are very adaptable and can grow in a variety of habitats. They are commonly found in lawns, meadows, gardens, and even in cracks in sidewalks or roads.
  7. Lifecycle: Dandelions are perennials, which means they can live for several years. They are one of the first plants to bloom in the spring and can continue blooming into the fall.
  8. Size: Dandelion plants can vary in size, but the leaves typically grow 5 to 25 cm (2 to 10 inches) long.

Remember, while dandelions are distinct, there are some look-alike plants, so always be sure when identifying. If using dandelions for culinary or medicinal purposes, ensure accurate identification and that the plants haven’t been subjected to pesticides or other chemicals.

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Walnuts

  • Latin Name: Juglans regia
  • Habitat: under walnut trees
  • Edibility: must not be rotten
  • Harvest: Nov – Jan
  • Benefits: Vitamin D
  • Uses: raw, cakes, cereals, snack

Finding and identifying a walnut tree (Juglans genus) in the UK during January can be a bit challenging since this is outside of the walnut’s typical fruiting season, which is late summer to early autumn. However, there are still key characteristics you can look for:

  1. Tree Bark: Walnut trees have bark that is generally dark and rough. As the tree ages, the bark develops deep, diamond-shaped fissures.
  2. Branches and Twigs: The twigs of a walnut tree are stout and may have a chambered pith, which is a distinctive feature. You can observe this by carefully cutting across a twig.
  3. Leaf Scars: Walnut trees have large leaf scars (the marks left on a twig after a leaf falls) that resemble a monkey’s face. This is quite distinctive and can be a good identification marker in the winter.
  4. Buds: The buds of walnut trees are large, rounded, and typically have a few scales that are visible. They are often grey-green to brown in color.
  5. Nut Shells or Husks: While the nuts themselves will likely not be present on the tree in January, you may find remnants of the nuts on the ground underneath the tree. Walnut shells are large, rounded, and have a thick, hard husk that turns from green to a dark brown as it matures and dries.
  6. Tree Shape and Size: Walnut trees can grow quite large, up to 30-40 meters tall, with a rounded, spreading canopy.
  7. Location: Walnut trees are often found in well-drained soil, such as in gardens, parks, and rural fields. They are not native to the UK but are commonly planted.

Remember, during winter, without leaves or fruits, tree identification can be more challenging, and it may be difficult to find walnut trees if you’re not already familiar with their location. Additionally, be aware of similar-looking species, such as the Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) and the English Walnut (Juglans regia), which can have slightly different characteristics.

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Hawthorne Berries

  • Latin Name: Crataegus monogyna
  • Habitat: hedges
  • Edibility: must be processed
  • Harvest: Nov – Jan
  • Benefits: Vitamin C, E, D
  • Uses: Jam, fruit leather, with meat

Identifying hawthorn berries in the UK in January can be a bit more challenging than during their prime ripening period in the autumn, but it’s still possible as these berries often remain on the trees throughout the winter. Here are key features to help you identify hawthorn berries and the trees they grow on:

  1. Tree Identification: Hawthorn trees (Crataegus species) are small to medium-sized and often have a dense, thorny, and bushy appearance. In winter, without leaves, focus on the tree’s overall shape, bark, and the presence of thorns.Bark: Mature hawthorn trees have hard, grey bark with vertical fissures. Thorns: One of the most distinctive features of hawthorn trees are the sharp thorns that can be 1-3 inches long.
  2. Berry Characteristics: Hawthorn berries, commonly known as “haws”, are small, round, and typically red or deep orange, although some species may have blue-black berries.Size and Shape: The berries are usually about 1 cm in diameter and are similar in size and shape to small crabapples. Texture: They have a smooth texture with a fleshy outer layer and contain a single stone (seed) inside.
  3. Berry Arrangement: Hawthorn berries grow in clusters along the branches. Even in winter, you may find dried or semi-dried berries clinging to the branches.
  4. Leaf Remnants: While most leaves will have fallen by January, you might find some dried or shriveled leaves still attached. Hawthorn leaves are lobed and can vary in shape depending on the species.
  5. Location: Hawthorn trees are common in the UK and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and scrublands. They are often used in agricultural hedging.
  6. Fragrance: If you can find any fresh berries, they typically have a mild, slightly sweet-to-tart scent.
  7. Wildlife Activity: Look for signs of birds and small mammals, as hawthorn berries are a valuable food source for wildlife, especially in winter.

Remember to always be cautious when foraging, especially if you’re not experienced. Make sure to positively identify hawthorn berries before consumption, as some berries can be toxic. It’s also important to forage responsibly and sustainably.

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Recipes with Dandelions

Here is a link to some of my favorite recipes using Dandelion roots in January

Link 1: Dandelion Root Coffee

Link 2: Carrot and Dandelion Root Cake

Link 3: Roasted with beetroot salad

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Recipes with Walnuts

Here is a link to some of my favorite recipes using Walnuts in January

Link 1: Walnut cake

Link 2: Chocolate-covered snack

Link 3: Crushed on yoghurt and cereal

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Recipes with Hawthorne Berries

Here is a link to some of my favorite recipes using Hawthorne berries in January

Link 1: Hawthorne berry Jam

Link 2: Hawthorne berry fruit leather

Link 3: Hawthorne berry pork pie

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