Foraging season is almost here

Posted by Andy Hamilton - 25/02/09 at 02:02:21 pm

Well when I say foraging season is almost here, I guess it does not really go away it is just that the amount you can pick goes down.

I am happily tucking into dandelion roots which are not massive at the moment but are starting to swell up. This is where my allotment life and foraging life cross over as it seems a shame to waste any of the weeds I am digging out. The cold weather has been a sort of god send on the allotment as not many weeds are growing. Not so great for us foragers although saying that weeds don’t need that much encouragement.

Back to dandelions – The way to cook them is to wash them (don’t peel), choping off the leaves. The leaves can be dried and drunk like a tea, which is good for hangovers. Cut the roots up like you would a carrot then lightly fry in butter for about 5 mins. Now add a little water and simmmer until soft.  Serve with soy sauce. They do still have a bit of a taste of battery acid, which is where the soy sauce comes in. But similar to olives repeat eating and you can enjoy it.

I am also experimenting with dandelion leaves by making a beer out of them, more on that when it is ready.

The same can’t be said about evening primrose root which, no matter what I do I still can seem to get to stop from either ruining everything else in the pot with its gloopy horrible taste or just tasting pretty horrible just on its own.

And of course it also means that the season is on us for our wild food walks. It would be lovely to see some of you on them.

I sort of own a shop called the little co-op in Bristol

Posted by Andy Hamilton - 14/02/09 at 02:02:05 pm

Over the last few weeks I have taken over the running of a shop. I say I and really I mean we as there is a group of around 10 like minded good people also on board. So where is it I hear you shout, well it is 156 Church road, Bristol, BS5 9HX. It is all quite exciting and there is a real buzz about the place and although I love working on selfsufficientish and writing articles it is good to be involved doing something that you can touch and visibly see people enjoying. Especially at this time of year when the allotment is not doing much and we are not conducting our forages.

If you live in Bristol or are thinking of visiting then do pop in for a natter and a selection of teas and coffees and cakes or even CD’s, DVD’s and videos. We also have a good selection of books starting at 10p. We are open from Monday to Saturday 10am-5ish pm.

The aim of the place is not like most businesses we aim simply to be an asset to the community. Next week we will be selling wholefoods too. We are also open to suggestions about running the shop in the evening and have our first poetry night on 25th February at 7.30pm – 9.30pm all welcome as long as you buy one cup of tea!

I know that I have not blogged for a while and when I do it is a big advert for our new shop, but well as I said I am very excited. It also fits in with the buy nothing new 2009 considering that all the stock we sell is second hand! Well apart from the drinks.

I have to say once a again a massive thank you to everyone who donated. Your donations have been put to good use and you all helped us secure our shop.

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