Foraging has become immensely popular over the last couple of years due to the cost of living, and interest in natural ways of living. Here are 20 popular plants that you can forage for food from British hedgerows for eating, along with their benefits and how to use them. NOTE: We don’t promote mushroom gathering, as this is a foraging exercise that should be undertaken with a person who is knowledgeable about mushrooms).

What to Forage

Elderflower – Rich in antioxidants and can help boost the immune system. Can be used to make elderflower cordial, wine, tea or used in baking.

Hawthorn – Can help improve cardiovascular health and digestion. Can be used to make hawthorn tea or added to soups and stews.

Blackberry – High in vitamin C and fibre and can help support healthy digestion. Can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and pies.

Rosehip – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and can help boost the immune system. Can be used to make rosehip tea or added to jams and jellies.

Nettle – High in iron, calcium, and other minerals, and can help support healthy bones and joints. Can be used to make nettle soup or tea.

Dandelion – This can help support healthy liver function and digestion. Can be used in salads, or the leaves can be sautéed like spinach. (See our blog on dandelions).

Wild garlic – Rich in vitamins A and C and can help support healthy immune function. Can be used in pesto or added to soups and stews.

WARNING

Cow parsley – High in vitamin C and can help support healthy digestion. Can be used in salads or added to soups and stews. It is of the utmost importance though that you know what you are doing with this plant. It closely resembles hemlock, which is extremely poisonous.

Chickweed – Rich in vitamins and minerals and can help support healthy skin. Can be used in salads or added to soups and stews.

Yarrow – Can help support healthy digestion and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Can be used in teas or added to soups and stews.

Meadowsweet – Can help support healthy digestion and may have pain-relieving properties. Can be used to make meadowsweet tea or added to jams and jellies.

Sorrel – High in vitamin C and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Can be used in salads or added to soups and stews.

Wild strawberries – Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and can help support healthy immune function. Can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.

Elderberries – Rich in antioxidants and may have immune-boosting properties. Can be used to make elderberry syrup or added to jams and jellies.

Crab apples – Rich in fibre and vitamin C and can help support healthy digestion. Can be used to make crab apple jelly or added to pies.

Sloes – Rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Can be used to make sloe gin or added to jams and jellies.

Wild plums – Rich in fibre and vitamin C and can help support healthy digestion. Can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.

Wild raspberries – High in vitamin C and antioxidants and can help support healthy immune function. Can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.

Sweet cicely – May have anti-inflammatory properties and can help support healthy digestion. Can be used to sweeten desserts or added to soups and stews.

Wood sorrel – High in vitamin C and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Can be used in salads or added to soups and stews.

Please note that it’s important to properly identify plants before foraging, as some plants can be toxic if consumed. Additionally, it’s important to forage responsibly, only taking what you need and leaving enough for others and for the ecosystem to thrive.

The Star of the Show – Alexander Weed

Alexander weed, also known as Smyrnium olusatrum, is a biennial herbaceous plant that is native to the UK and other parts of Europe. It has a long history of use as a culinary herb and medicinal plant.

In ancient times, Alexander weed was used by the Greeks and Romans for its medicinal properties. It was believed to help with a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, coughs, and rheumatism.

Alexander weed is still used as a culinary herb in some parts of the UK. Its leaves, stems, and roots are all edible and have a slightly bitter, celery-like flavour. The plant is often used in soups, stews, and salads.

In terms of health benefits, Alexander weed is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

To cook Alexander weed, the leaves and stems can be added to soups and stews or used as a substitute for celery in recipes. The root can be boiled or roasted and eaten like a vegetable. It’s important to note that the plant can be toxic in large quantities, so it should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, it’s important to properly identify the plant before consuming it, as some similar-looking plants can be poisonous.

If you want to learn how to forage, join the Association of Foragers who will welcome you with open arms.

Check out our foraging blog. CLICK HERE to read it.

IMPORTANT: Click the green speech bubble in the bottom right corner to get any questions answered, or Contact Us if you need something else.