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There is an abundance of edible plants at this time of year, these are just a few that I think are worth trying.
Elderflower
Easy to identify. The flowers, after a rinse in cold water, can be used to make a delicious cordial, you can also make Elderflower wine. Or, dip them in a light batter, such as tempura, and deep fry them. Our Caledonian contingent @Ark79 should be especially partial to the latter.
Honeysuckle
You can't mistake these for anything else and the scent is a strong clue. On a walk you might like to just stop and split the flower open to the base and stick your tongue it to get the nectar.
Just a few flowers will make a very refreshing tea, or add a few flowers to sparkling wine, or even sparkling water, for something special.
Lime aka Linden tree
We have two types of native lime tree in this country - large leaved and small leaved, however they often hybridise. Small leaved lime also goes under the name of Linden Tree. When they are in flower the beautiful scent will come wafting to you on the breeze from a great distance. The flowers can be picked and eaten as they are, or made into a sandwich. They also make a very good tea, which can also be made from the dried flowers.
Pineapple weed
A low growing little plant, often seen at the edge of paths and at the fringes of fields. Identified by the flowers, which look like tiny yellow-green pineapples. They don't just look like pineapples, crush the flower and it will smell of pineapple. About a dozen of these flowers make a very good 'pineapple' tea.
Sea kale
If you are lucky enough to be able to get to a shingle beach you will often see this splendid plant, which looks very similar to domestic kale. All parts of the plants are edible and, in winter, the roots are a good source of carbohydrates. However, best not to dig them up, but rather just pick a few leaves which can be used just like cabbage. I find the leaves just as good eaten raw.
Elderflower
Easy to identify. The flowers, after a rinse in cold water, can be used to make a delicious cordial, you can also make Elderflower wine. Or, dip them in a light batter, such as tempura, and deep fry them. Our Caledonian contingent @Ark79 should be especially partial to the latter.
Honeysuckle
You can't mistake these for anything else and the scent is a strong clue. On a walk you might like to just stop and split the flower open to the base and stick your tongue it to get the nectar.
Just a few flowers will make a very refreshing tea, or add a few flowers to sparkling wine, or even sparkling water, for something special.
Lime aka Linden tree
We have two types of native lime tree in this country - large leaved and small leaved, however they often hybridise. Small leaved lime also goes under the name of Linden Tree. When they are in flower the beautiful scent will come wafting to you on the breeze from a great distance. The flowers can be picked and eaten as they are, or made into a sandwich. They also make a very good tea, which can also be made from the dried flowers.
Pineapple weed
A low growing little plant, often seen at the edge of paths and at the fringes of fields. Identified by the flowers, which look like tiny yellow-green pineapples. They don't just look like pineapples, crush the flower and it will smell of pineapple. About a dozen of these flowers make a very good 'pineapple' tea.
Sea kale
If you are lucky enough to be able to get to a shingle beach you will often see this splendid plant, which looks very similar to domestic kale. All parts of the plants are edible and, in winter, the roots are a good source of carbohydrates. However, best not to dig them up, but rather just pick a few leaves which can be used just like cabbage. I find the leaves just as good eaten raw.