Bland New Day

I love the wild things I forage. Most of the time I'm happy to eat them just as they come off the tree or out of the ground, no seasoning, no worries. However, I do try to stretch myself and find ways of incorporating my foraged ingredients into dishes that others might find enjoyable. Today I tried to take the tomato and boccincini salad idea but plate it up on top of elm seeds. I think it looks fantastic! I was, however, out of balsamic vinegar. The basil and olive oil just couldn't carry it on their own. Does anybody have other suggestions that might have improved this?

The Salad Has You...

Some summer ago my older brother met my self-defeating worry that collecting plant facts was just another example of my completist plate-filling with the statement that that while jogging with me he got the feeling that I could "see the matrix." Not the sci-fi realm of wish fulfillment and super-heroics, but the actual organic coding of the reality around us. Leave it to him to provide an inspiring and poetic counterpoint to my own sad fiddle playing!

Since then I've often used his words to remind myself that this is something I deeply enjoy. Something that connects me to the planet and its fascinating web of life. Something that, unlike teaching or performing, doesn't require the understanding, appreciation, or participation of the people around me. With that in mind, today's return to blogging is dedicated to all the other Plantawares out there!

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Salad is everywhere I look today!

Dandelion petals and fresh leaves.

Shepherd's Purse is a peppery member of the mustard family.

The whole plant above ground is edible. 

I've found it hit-and-miss how spicy a mouthful you'll get.

Garden Atriplex or Orach.

I find it bitter, but am intent upon learning to cook it.

Chives!

All members of the Mallow family are reportedly edible.

A personal favourite: Elm seeds. Very high in protein.

Stinging Nettle:

Once you know how to eat it, it's quite enjoyable!

Onions.

Spruce tips. Mmm...citrusy!

Lamb's Quarters. More wild spinach.

Self seeded lettuce from last year.

And a delicious on-the-spot salad: Dandelion petals with 

Lamb's Quarters and Spruce Tip wrapped in Mallow leaf!

Awesome!

(Have plant allergies? Go carefully. And always make sure you do your homework before eating anything new.)