We are delighted to bring you a fresh foraging article from one of our wonderful contributors, Allicia Geraghty, who is sharing informaion about some of the earliest edible greens available in the Irish foraging year. Foraging is the age-old practice of gathering wild plants, fungi, and other edibles. It can be a rewarding way to connect with nature, culture, and community. Foraging also promotes healthier eating, can boost your mental well-being, reduce stress levels, and cultivate a sense of accomplishment.
January Greens
Winter is the scarcest season for hedgerow foraging, although you can still find some rosehips and hawthorn berries on the trees, leftovers for the birds to appreciate in this cold season. January is a time for resting, reading, planning and looking forward towards the lighter and warmer days to come. There is, however, a Winter edible supergreen ready to forage that grows along the hedgerow verge. It comes out early in the season, and it’s at its best now.
Hairy Bittercress
Hairy Bittercress(Cardamine hirsuta) is a member of the Brassicaceae (mustard) family and has many close relatives which are all edible, including Large Bittercress (Cardamine amara), Wood or Wavy Bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa) and the beautiful Lady’s Smock or Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis), which has a high content of vitamin C and was traditionally used as a treatment for scurvy.
Hairy Bittercress is native to Europe and Western Asia and has been naturalised in many parts of the world. The Irish name is Searbh-bhiolar giobach and its common names are Lamb’s Cress, Flickweed and Jumping Jesus, due to its exploding seed pods! It has a long foraging season and is one of the first edible greens to emerge. It is abundant in Ireland and extremely common throughout the British Isles.
It can be found along the hedgerow verge, including field edges, grassland, paddocks, meadows, walls, deciduous and coniferous woodland, in plant pots and gardens.
Traditionally, hairy bittercress has been used in folk medicine across various cultures. It has been used to treat skin conditions, respiratory ailments, and digestive problems. It’s also known as being a symbol of resilience due to its ability to thrive in diverse environments.
It has deep roots that help improve soil structure. The leaves also contain nitrogen, which can be released back into the soil as they decompose.
Hairy Bittercress can act as a very early Spring tonic. It is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. It is loaded with antioxidants and compounds that can help prevent cancer and boost our immune system.
Hairy Bittercress is a petite, annual plant. It has a basal rosette of pinnate leaves in opposite pairs, rounded with a wavy edge with one terminal leaf at the end. The leaves are scarcely hairy. It has tiny white, four petalled flowers, and narrow seed pods which can explosively produce seeds. The flowers provide an early source of nectar for bees and butterflies. Hairy Bittercress is included in wildflower mixes to attract beneficial insects.
The leaves have a more peppery than bitter taste, similar to rocket and watercress. It makes a great cress substitute and it’s free!
To harvest just cut the leaves below the rosette, leaving the roots to improve soil structure. Make sure to rinse off any soil or debris before eating. The leaves are best eaten raw, can be used fresh in salads, added as garnish to soups or stews. The leaves can also be added to sandwiches, especially cheese or egg mayonnaise. They also add a peppery kick to pesto.
Hairy Bittercress is a versatile plant that can enhance both your health and culinary dishes. Why not add it to your diet for a nutritious boost to start the new year!
This month’s book recommendation: Hedgerow by Anne Angus. A delightful book that offers a detailed exploration by Anne Angus, who spent seven years documenting the life cycle of a hedgerow in West Wales. It includes monthly records of the sights, smells, and sounds from the hedgerow and is beautifully illustrated by Michael Woods.
Essential Foraging Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to forage safely, respect the law and further sustainability.
• Identify plants with absolute certainty. Begin by researching edible plants in your area, study basic botany, join local foraging walks and take classes to learn from experts. Invest in a reliable field guide with clear pictures of edible plants. Always take this with you when you go foraging, helping you to recognize plants correctly, which is essential for your safety.
• Never harvest or eat anything that you are unable to identify or are not certain is safe to eat. Always research the plant before eating it. When in doubt, do not eat!
• Stay safe by learning how to recognize poisonous plants. Mistaking a plant for its toxic double can cause serious health problems or worse!
• Be cautious when trying new wild foods, especially if you have allergies.
• Avoid harvesting rare species, endangered or protected plants. Taking these plants can harm their survival and local ecosystems.
• Never take more than you need. Harvest no more than one third of any plant, leaving enough for wildlife and regrowth.
• Only collect where plants are in abundance.
• Avoid harvesting from areas where pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals have been applied, from industrial zones and from areas adjacent to roads, where plants have been contaminated by vehicle exhausts. Avoid areas where water and soil could be contaminated.
• Harvest respectively by seeking permission before foraging on private land. Check local laws for public spaces also.
• Do as little damage as possible to the plant and its environment.
• Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid accidents and guarantee a successful foraging experience.
• Wash and handle your foraged edibles gently to preserve quality and learn how to store them correctly.
Now enjoy the rewards of wild food foraging!
Please note: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not to be used to replace the advice and care of a qualified medical practitioner. Please consult with a health care provider before consuming wild plants if you have a health condition, are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking any pharmaceutical medication.
Allicia so proud of you great work love you Mam x💚🙏