Anyone Tried Foraged Foods in Recipes?

[PatrickTyler]

Hi all!
I’ve been inspired lately to incorporate more foraged ingredients into my cooking and am curious if anyone here has tried it. I’m thinking of things like wild herbs, nettles, and maybe some unique finds like edible flowers. I’ve even heard of people getting creative with seasonal items from trees! Any tips for recipes, favorite ingredients, or unique dishes? Also open to hearing if you’ve spotted any of these kinds of dishes on restaurant menus—sometimes they have the best ideas!
Thank You.

[Westi]

Welcome to the forum Patrick!

I like the idea of foraging, but pretty clueless as to what is edible so leave well alone. When I was in OZ we collected edible berries & plants whenever we saw them, so far more familiar & confident with these even if a bit of snake & biting ants dodging. Probably wouldn't take it up now but still interested.

I have seen & tried them in restaurants in the New Forest, mainly as a froth, micro herbs or sauce but certainly really nice. I note the Pig restaurants have expanded greatly around this area so you might get lucky looking up their menu's on their sites for ideas, but there are loads of other posh spa hotels & the like who also have restaurants so a general wide New Forest search could give you a wider choice. Good luck, I hope you find something to help. Let the forum know as I'd be interested for one; also think some of the forum forage so you could get lucky.

[Geoff]

We used to forage wild garlic but now we have a patch in the garden that we use. Our only other foraging is traditional blackberries and sloes.

[retropants]

I usually forage for elderflowers and berries, blackberries, nettles for soap making, acorns for crafting and I did pick up some conkers with a mind to make some diy detergent with them!

[Myrkk]

Hi.
I forage hawthorn berries, cleavers, brambles, wild garlic, rose hips, and use them at home to name but a few. I’ve been looking at making acorn flour this year but haven’t tried it yet.

[oldherbaceous]

I’m starting to wonder if the new forum members, can’t get back onto the forum after posting their first post….it’s at least 3 new members now, that have asked a sensible question, then don’t seem to visit the forum again, despite getting some good answers!

[Westi]

Patrick could be a while OH if he follows my suggestion of checking restaurant recipes around the New Forest!