October Foraging Finds!

Foraging finds from this morning's mindful walk!

1. Smooth Hawksbeard - The young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw in salads, sandwiches and garnishes.

2. White Fibrecap - Highly toxic, do not consume!

3. Teasel - Bitter tasting and considered toxic, although the young leaves can be cooked and eaten. Used to treat arthritis and psoriasis in herbal medicine.

4. Birch Polypore - Although edible, quite tough and bitter. It is a tonic to the immune system and an antiseptic used for treating wounds.

5. Water Parsnip - The roots are edible raw or cooked with a sweet nutty flavour. Take care with identification as it's similar looking to other toxic plants in the carrot family.

6. Field Pansy - The leaves and flowers are edible and rich in vitamin C. The taste like mild salad greens/baby lettuce.

7. Bitter Dock - The dried seeds shown here can be ground and used as flour. Toasted they have a tart and nutty flavour perfect for granola or making crackers.

8. Common Groundsel - Inedible with toxic compounds. Historically used in herbal medicine for menstrual cramps, and parasite infections.

9. Butter Cap - Edible but not particularly yummy. Slimy texture not worth bothering with to eat.

Please make 100% certain of identification of wild plants before consumption. Consult with your GP or a trained medical herbalist before using herbal remedies.

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