Foraging Along

Foraging for food, when done safely, is a great way to practice more sustainable habits. I went to Putah Creek, CA and there I found a bowl (depicted in the background) and was able to fill the bowl with scavenged figs and blackberries from nearby bushes and trees. A fun foraging tip is to watch for the season of your favorite fruit or veg. Blackberries across California are ripe and juicy between August and early October. I like to make chia seed blackberry jam or pie with my foraged berries. 

It's incredibly important to clean your foraged food before ingesting them. The potential for being exposed to a worm, bacterium, chemical, etc. is a risk best not taken. When you're done foraging and get home, leave your berries in a bowl filled with some tap water for a few hours or at the very least a few rinses. A good measure and healthy tip is that you could add a tablespoon or two of pure Apple Cider Vinegar to the water for a dietary boost and extra sterilizer. When you're done soaking the foraged berries, rinse a few times before baking or eating them. Lastly, Enjoy the literal fruits of your efforts! 

I'll try and write a list of what is the best cleaning strategies for different foraged foods and some recipes I like to make with my foraged food. At the moment, I'm still a novice and berry picking is clearly my strong-suit. Until my next post!