Spring is a fantastic time of year to get outside, and at this time of the year, there are lots of wild plants that you can forage for your food.
Wrap up warm against the unpredictable weather in an irish fisherman sweater like this https://www.shamrockgift.com/aran-sweaters/mens-aran-sweaters/ and see if you can find any of these tasty treats growing nearby…
Wild Garlic – This is a delicious springtime favourite, and it is often found growing in the woodlands – just follow the smell of wild garlic! Used in the same way as garlic to add flavour to dishes, this is a fantastic favourite with foragers. Be aware that the poisonous cuckoo pint, also known as Lords and Ladies often grows in amongst it, however, so do be careful when you are picking.
Cow Parsley – This is a plant for the experienced forager, because although it is certainly a delicious edible, it has many poisonous relatives that someone with less experience may pick accidentally – including the deadly Hemlock, famously the plant that killed Socrates.
Used as you might parsley, with potatoes and salads, and to add flavour to dishes, it’s an excellent all-rounder, just be sure that you are picking the right plant!
Garlic Mustard -Another name for this plant is hedge garlic, and you will see the flowers appear in April and May. Look along the hedgerows and in grass verges. Spring is the best time to pick it, but it can still be eaten later into summer, however the leaves become more bitter the longer they are left.