Foraging as a mindfulness practice to restore vital connection
For many, their foraging journey starts by looking for “free food”. Yet as we continue down this amazing path, we begin to realise that … Continue
Purple Loosestrife
1 Scientific name2 Family3 Botanical description4 Status5 Habitat and distribution6 Parts used for food7 Harvest time8 Food uses9 Nutritional profile10 Herbal medicine uses11 Other … Continue
Salad Burnet & Tomato Salad
Ingredients 1 or 2 tomatoes 1-2 tbsp. salad burnet leaves – young 1 small onion or shallot 1-2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt ½ tablespoon … Continue
Grain-Free Sea Aster Tabbouleh
It’s hot. 1976 hot. Scorched grass. Withered plants. It’s times like this that the farmer gets twitchy. Images of dust-bowls and draught go through … Continue
Sorrel, Watercress And Roasted Fennel Soup
One of the most delicious wild greens is Sorrel (Rumex acetosa). Sorrel soup has been a traditional dish served since the Middle Ages. In Belarus … Continue
How to get the gut health of a hunter-gatherer
Fermenting foods has finally come of age. Back in 2010, I interviewed the godfather of the modern fermentation revivalist movement Sandor Katz. I was … Continue
EP18: The wild art of fermentation
Fermented foods are a delicious and rich source of nourishment. The fermentation process can transform the flavour of food from the plain and mundane … Continue
Bramble (blackberry)
1 Scientific name2 Family3 Botanical description4 Photo identification5 Status6 Habitat and distribution7 Entymology8 Parts used for food9 Harvest time10 Food uses11 How to harvest … Continue
Wild Garlic (Ramsons)
1 Where does wild garlic grow2 How to cook wild garlic3 Nutritional summary of wild garlic4 Recipes5 Folklore6 Health benefits of wild garlic7 Modern … Continue
This Dandelion Salad Is Nature’s Nutritional Powerhouse
1 Traditional Dandelion Salad Recipe: Ingredients2 Traditional Dandelion Salad Recipe: Salad Dressing3 Traditional Dandelion Salad Recipe: Instructions4 Further Reading Spring has finally sprung. And … Continue
From drug addiction to wild wellbeing
How I got into plants, or how I came back to plants, really, was that I had a digital publishing company up until 2004. … Continue
Witnessing the last days of the nomadic Moken sea gypsies
For the last few years I have taught on my plant courses about the Moken sea gypsies, and the extraordinary relationship they have with … Continue
A Delicious Kelp Seaweed Broth For Flu
This kelp seaweed recipe just bursts with nutrition. The kelp seaweed most often used in British cooking is called Oarweed (Laminaria digitata), another common … Continue
Silver birch boucha tea
1 Step 12 Step 23 Step 34 Links Step 1 Gather some silver birch twigs. I use twigs between 1mm to 2mm thick. I … Continue
EP17: Busted by the cops for picking a dandelion
Notorious New York vegan forager Steve Brill was busted by the cops for picking a dandelion. In this interview along with his 12 year … Continue
Lesser celandine
1 Scientific name2 Family3 Botanical description4 Photo ideintification5 Status6 Habitat and distribution7 Entomology8 Parts used for food9 Harvest time10 Food uses11 Nutritional profile12 Recipes13 … Continue
Tasting terroir – why the plant is not the problem… you are
Today I want to share with you a little about what I have learnt as a forager. And it goes against the grain about … Continue
Top 5 Foraging & Wild Food Cookbooks
1 The Eatweeds Cookbook2 The New Wildcrafted Cuisine3 The Irish Seaweed Kitchen4 The Art of Fermentation5 Edible Wild Plants & Herbs6 Foraging & Feasting … Continue
EP16: Herbalists without borders choose love over fear
I was delighted to finally get Becs Griffiths and Annwen Jones. Two members of the collective who organised the Radical Herbalism Gathering, to agree … Continue
EP15: The handmade apothecary
In this episode I talk with two amazing herbalists about why we need to build ‘health resilience’ using herbal medicine, in an age of … Continue
Laver sauerkraut
Thank gawd for lacto-fermented probiotic foods! Having recently found myself in the hospital with what can only be described as ‘nuclear grade Domestos’ being … Continue
Wild Angelica
1 Scientific name2 Family3 Botanical description4 Status5 Habitat and distribution6 Parts used for food7 Harvest time8 Food uses9 Nutritional profile10 Recipes11 Herbal medicine uses12 … Continue
Alexanders
1 Scientific name2 Family3 Botanical description4 Photo identification5 Status6 Habitat and distribution7 Entomology8 Parts used for food9 Harvest time10 Food uses11 Recipes12 Herbal medicine … Continue
Duke of Argyll’s teaplant
The plant was introduced to the British Isles in 1730 and is now considered naturalised. How to use The dried, red fruits are eaten … Continue
EP14: Why the balsam bashers might be wrong
0.1 Show Notes0.2 About Pete Yeo0.3 1 Transcript Home > Plants > Himalayan balsam The transportation of seeds or whole plants is an offence … Continue
EP13: Absinthe alchemy
I’d like introduce you to one of the world’s foremost absinthe experts, and the first person who was able to authentically reproduce the premium … Continue
How to safely eat sea arrowgrass
What we are looking at here is a plant called Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima). It’s common names are coriander grass or wild coriander, because it actually … Continue
EP12: Passion potions
Many moons ago I met two awesome ‘herbalistas’ called Karen and Fiona at the first Radical Herbalism Gathering (RHG). RHG is definitely a weekend … Continue
Wild Garlic Kimchi
The sun is shining. The wind is fresh. And there’s that inevitable feeling in one’s bones that Spring may well have finally sprung! Excitement … Continue
Is field horsetail edible?
I have written this brief profile as a result of some confusion on social media as to whether Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense is edible. … Continue
Hedge mustard and laver seaweed rice soup
Last week I went wandering to one of my favourite foraging patches. It’s by a river, and a haven for birds, critters and wild … Continue
How to make a delicious pine oil
Important Update: Some folk are little concerned about possibly getting food poisoning from this recipe. The advice is to keep plants in oil no … Continue
Getting Wild In Laos With Three Cornered Leek
Recently I have been craving south east Asian food. And one dish in particular has been coming to mind. I even dreamt of it … Continue
Nasreddin and the tale of the dandelion
1 A Traditional Sufi Tale2 A Little Bit About Dandelion3 A Traditional Dandelion Leaf Salad4 Other Ways to Eat Dandelions5 Why Dandelion Is So … Continue
Aged beech leaf tea
It’s been a chilly old Winter this year, and I trust you have had lovely festivities over the past couple of weeks. Winter is … Continue
Sea Beet Bhijia Curry
I visited my local estuary the other day now devoid of tourists. The sound of the birds doing their thing that only birds do, … Continue
EP11: Intuitive herbalism
Over the years I have bumped into master herbalist Nathaniel Hughes at various gatherings around the country. We never seemed to be able to … Continue
Butcher’s Broom Coffee
This weekend I wanted to make a coffee substitute, something that tasted ‘rich’. Something that I could ‘chew’ on. My shop bought coffee-alternatives include … Continue
Dragon’s Breath Hawthorn Relish
1 A Few Hawthorn Safety Guidelines2 Hawthorn Recipe Relish : Ingredients3 Hawthorn Recipe Relish : Instructions4 Further Reading There is an old Scottish proverb … Continue
Why does that plant taste disgusting?
A week or so ago I mentioned that I was pondering what to do with hawthorn berries. Something a little different to the usual … Continue
Listening to the trees talking
Over the weekend the anarchists came to stay. Who could imagine that a couple of wild urchins aged two and four years old could … Continue
Lesser burdock
1 Scientific name2 Family3 Botanical description4 Photo identification5 Status6 Habitat and distribution7 Entomology8 Parts used for food9 Harvest time10 Food uses11 Nutritional profile12 Recipes13 … Continue
Everything you need to know about rosehips
1 The story of rosehip2 When are rose hips ripe and ready to pick and gather?3 Is it true I need to gather rosehips … Continue
This divine wild jelly is an absolute must
Yesterday I told you about Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus), and my desire to make it into a jelly. Well last night I finished the … Continue
Guelder rose jelly
Home > Plants > Guelder rose This Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) jelly recipe is quite simply divine. The plant is deciduous, and usually found in … Continue
Guelder rose – a wild super fruit that smells like old socks
Home > Plants > Guelder rose I went out yesterday with my beloved on a quest for some lush rose hips. The sun was … Continue
The awesomeness of acorns
Each morning I go outside and ponder the old oak that stands on the side of the road. Each morning I say a blessing … Continue
Elderberry and nettle honey elixir
Home > Plants > Elder With Autumn definitely on its way, and the sun starts setting early, now is the perfect time to give … Continue
EP10: The wild & wonderful world of fungi
A walk in the woods fungi foraging with the wild and wonderful Craig Worrall from Edible Leeds. I recently visited Craig at his home … Continue
EP09: Foraging with Europe’s grand master
Crawling at 5mph it took me ages to drive up the dusty, pot-holed road that led into the depths of wildness where foraging grand master … Continue
Mulberry tree: uses and identification
A short video walking you through how to identify a Mulberry Tree, along with its uses.
Japanese rosehip: uses & identification of rosa rugosa
A quick video showcasing the exquisite culinary use for Japanese Rosehip ( Rosa rugosa). Rosehip Resources: Funky Facts You Need To Know About Rosehips … Continue
Sakura: Preserved Cherry Blossom
Each year I literally swoon as I cup the cherry blossom flowers in my hand gazing at their mysterious beauty set against cloudless blue … Continue
EP08: First steps to seeing plants
In this interview Emma Kidd, author of First Steps To Seeing: A Path Towards Living Attentively discusses practical ways to deepen your relationship with … Continue
Nettle & Barley Risotto
The oldest recorded recipe in Britain according to the Centre for Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff is one … Continue
Noble Nettle Gruel
Gruel down the centuries gets a bad rap, courtesy of super snobs with their pretentious pontificating on what deems ‘good taste’. The phrase ‘food … Continue
Beef Bone & Nettle Potassium Broth
I first used potassium broths back in the mid-1980s when I was a student of Nature Cure. Potassium broths have been used for generations … Continue
Magnolia Syrup Recipe
This Magnolia syrup recipe is beautiful, sensual and delicious. There are a number of different species of edible Magnolia flowers that you can use. Ask … Continue
Quick Braised Hogweed Shoots
I no longer recommend this plant be served to the public. This plant is not for beginners. Never eat raw. Always wear gloves when … Continue
Thai Style Three Cornered Leek & Tempeh Stir Fry
I love quick, wholesome wild food dishes, and if they have Asian flavours so much the better. This Thai style three cornered leek stir … Continue
Kelp Lasagne
Seaweed is highly nutritious and tasty as this kelp recipe will show, and something that we need to be eating daily as it is … Continue
Nettle Seed Cheese Straws
Wandering the fields and hedgerows, phone left at home. I sense a deep peace and freedom. Unplugged, my awareness stays present with the moment … Continue
Sugar Free Nettle & Seaweed Sweets
I love Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), it has so many potential uses in drinks, savoury and dessert recipes. Recently I gathered some young nettle … Continue
Slow Cooked Kelp, Pork & Beetroot Stew
Slipping and sliding over the rocks, I eventually hit the edge of the world. “Is it flat” I thought? Peering out to nothing but … Continue
EP06: How to make nettle leaf protein
In Memory of Michael Cole. Michael had a short battle with cancer but in the end died peacefully with his family around him, at home … Continue
EP05: Remembering Frank Cook
Frank Cook was a herbalist, teacher, botanical explorer, activist and pollinator who turned people on to the abundance nature provides and the ability to … Continue
Sowthistle Tempeh Salad
Smooth Sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is cropping up everywhere at the moment. I skip out to my local patch to gather some of these tasty … Continue
Orache & Spicy Pork Laos Style Salad
I’ve been pining to return to Laos recently. I left some good friends in the forest there, and I miss them. They taught me … Continue
EP04: Plant observation & Goethean science
In this interview Craig Holdrege director of The Nature Institute discusses how the methodology of Goethean Science can enhance our ability to observe and experience plants … Continue
Sea Purslane Potato Cakes
Rummaging around in my very empty fridge, I chanced upon some renegade potatoes. “What are you doing in there?” I asked quizzically. The reply … Continue
Braised Sea Aster With Asparagus
I often refer to Sea Aster (Aster tripolium) as “Queen of Saltmarshes & Estuaries”. She is one of the most delicious wild greens out there. … Continue
Sea Purslane Hummus
Sea Purslane (Atriplex portulacoides) has a gorgeous, salty leaf with a nutty crunchiness to it. I remember about five years ago I took a young … Continue
Tansy Pancakes
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) has always intrigued me. Her smell is heady and intoxicating, which is hardly surprising considering that she contains thujone, a psychotropic, … Continue
Wild Gomasio
I’ve been meaning to make a Pendulus Sedge (Carex pendula) recipe, and while gathering the seeds which are so easy and quick to do, the … Continue
Wisteria Flower Syrup
Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is one of my all-time favourite edible flowers. The plant bursts forth in great clusters of sweet-smelling lilac coloured flowers. … Continue
Sea Aster Pate
Young sea aster (Aster tripolium) leaves are just coming up down at the estuary where I forage. I have a love affair with this … Continue
Oxeye Daisy Capers
Delicious Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) are budding forth as I write this. One of the most unique taste sensations in the hedge, I have … Continue
Sea Beet Chowder (Well Maybe)
Sea Beet is young, tender and the precursor to chard and beetroot. With her earthy taste, and uber nutrition, Sea Beet (Beta vulgaris maritima) is … Continue
EP03: Revisioning herbal medicine
An interview with Simon Mills, herbal practitioner and author of Principles & Practice of Phytotherapy, The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety, Dictionary of Modern … Continue
Six Wild Greens Soup
With an abundance of wild green in the hedgerow at the moment, I felt compelled by my bones to make a tasty spring time … Continue
Garlic Mustard & Blue Cheese Pasta
I love Garlic Mustard aka Jack By The Hedge (Alliaria petiolata). Most of the wild food recipe books seem to concentrate on using the … Continue
Wild Garlic & Nettle Nut Loaf
With the Wild Garlic aka Ramsons (Allium ursinum) filling the hedgerows at the moment, along with lovely Stinging Nettle tips (Urtica dioica) I was … Continue
Is It hemlock or cow parsley
Hemlock or Cow Parsley? Think you know? Watch this video and take some time to see if you can tell the difference. In this video I … Continue
Wild Garlic & Dandelion Salad
Being a rather full day, I wanted to rustle up a quick lunch, and on my way back from a meeting I gathered a … Continue
Ground Elder & Chicken Patties
The Ground Elder (Aegopodium podagraria) with its shiny young leaves is beginning to wake up. I love her lemony, herby taste and having suddenly … Continue
Wild Garlic Pakoras
Spying some pakoras in my local India delicatessen, I pondered on whether Wild Garlic/Ramsons (Allium ursinum) would work as a replacement to the usual … Continue
Alexanders in gluten free cheese sauce
With buds appearing on the choice, young Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum) I spend an afternoon gathering down near my local river. The sun is shining, … Continue
Oxeye Daisy Tabbouleh
Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is one of the most delicious and uniquely flavoured wild herb-vegetables that I use in the kitchen. Savoury, herby and … Continue
EP02: Beyond botany & other ways of knowing plants
In Episode 2 of the Eatweeds Podcast Robin Harford interviews his Russian friend, plantwalker and herbalist Olya Maiboroda about how we can know plants … Continue
Oxeye Daisy Bruschette
It’s bitterly cold outside and I’m wandering around my local foraging area looking for something to gather. My body is wanting something with lots … Continue
Three Cornered Leek Hummus
It’s the end of January and I head out to forage, unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it, I don’t need … Continue
Rowan Turkish delight
Home > Plants > Rowan Although I am not a big consumer of sweets or deserts, I do have somewhat of a sweet tooth … Continue
Crispy black mustard
Home > Plants > Black mustard Oh my gawd! When it comes to a simple black mustard recipe (Brassica nigra), then these ‘crisps’ are … Continue
Dandelion Dressing Recipe on Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
This makes for a wonderful Wintertime Dandelion dressing recipe. Many assume that the best time to pick dandelion greens is in Spring (actually I … Continue