Hedgerow 'food shopping'

For those of you who live in or near the country, do you eat things you pick? It's something I'm really interested in and would like to do more of, but I don't know much about it.

The other day, I picked some Alexanders and steamed them. Someone told me they were supposed to taste like asparagus, but I got more of a very strong celery flavour. And I don't like celery. So much for that. It's a real shame, because there are banks and banks of the stuff growing around here - enough to feed an army!

Yesterday, I picked some ramsons (wild garlic) and sauteed them in a bit of butter. Then I sprinkled on some salt and squeezed a bit of lemon juice on them. They were delicious!! I'm going out tomorrow to pick more! Fortunately, there's a ton of it out there too!

Does anyone else have any suggestions for me? I love free food!!

I know my in-laws have picked berries growing in the entry by their house in a previous summer.

I'm not in the country (alas!) but I made one wee pot of bramble jelly last summer from berries I picked in the nature reserve here in Belfast. It was unbelievably gorgeous!!!

I've never tried anything other than berries, but that goes way back to my childhood in Maine, when I loved picking wild strawberries and blueberries behind our house. I was hiking in Banff with my aunt and cousins a couple of years ago, and I kept an eagle eye out for wild strawberries and blackcurrants. A guy we were chatting with was amazed that I would eat those things--he was convinced I would poison myself! I didn't complain, as it left more for me. 

Only blackberries.  What does wild garlic look like? I'd pick that if I saw it.

Only blackberries.  What does wild garlic look like? I'd pick that if I saw it.

Here's a pic of wild garlic: http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/herborium/ramsons.asp

I've had the flowers in a salad before in a restaurant, but you can also use the leaves in salads. However, when they're cooked, they become much milder in flavour - some people prefer a stronger garlic flavour, but I like them cooked.

I've picked blackberries, too, and sloes (for gin), but that's about it.

I've only picked blackberries.
We live on the edge of Deepcut forest and often go walking along the paths. Last weekend when we were out walking with my ILs, my MIL pointed out several patches of blueberry plants. I'm definitely going to keep my eye on them through the weeks.

I've never picked anything but berries.  I'm too nervous that I'd misidentify something and wind up sick.

I've never picked anything but berries.  I'm too nervous that I'd misidentify something and wind up sick.

I wouldn't pick mushrooms since I know nothing about them (though I wish I did), but for the most part I like being adventurous! 

I've only picked blackberries.  However, a friend of my in-laws has given us wild mushrooms and little plum like things.  They are red, small, and quite tasty stewed and made into a crumble! 
I've been tempted to pick some elderflowers and make a cordial out of them.  Anyone ever tried that?
The ramsoms sound good-I'm going to check and see if there are any around us. 

I'll try this tomorrow morning I think.

I reckon I'll be able to get pizza and kebab! 

I've been tempted to pick some elderflowers and make a cordial out of them.  Anyone ever tried that?

Elderflowers are great! I haven't picked any myself, but I have had fritters made from the flower heads that a friend made. I'll be picking some in a month or so when they're out - I'm not sure if I'll make cordial, but I'll definitely be making some other things with them!

I'll try this tomorrow morning I think.

I reckon I'll be able to get pizza and kebab! 

lmao!!!

rhubarb is another good one.

Here's a pic of wild garlic: http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/herborium/ramsons.asp

I've had the flowers in a salad before in a restaurant, but you can also use the leaves in salads. However, when they're cooked, they become much milder in flavour - some people prefer a stronger garlic flavour, but I like them cooked.

I've picked blackberries, too, and sloes (for gin), but that's about it.

Thanks! I don't think I've seen any around here but I'll keep a look out next time I'm in the forest. I saw a recipe somewhere for something to do with them, of course now I can't remember where or what!

Thanks! I don't think I've seen any around here but I'll keep a look out next time I'm in the forest. I saw a recipe somewhere for something to do with them, of course now I can't remember where or what!

You should be able to smell them, even if you can't spot them! The garlic smell is lovely. I think they're only around until May or June, so get them soon! 

Was just going to say that I usually smell wild garlic before I see it!

We've picked wild blackberries & strawberries previously.  There's also some kind of weed that wants to take over bits of our garden - but I can't think what it's called right now.  I think Steve did something with that once.