Thursday 5 August 2010

hedgerow

I picked a handful of blackberries on an evening walk earlier in the week. It seems to me they're rather early this year. I always think of September as the month to raid the bramble patches, but in fact checking my foraging books out of curiosity, they're appearing right on cue.


I've just bought a new foraging book - another in the River Cottage Handbook series. Simply titled 'Hedgerow' and written by John Wright (who also wrote Edible Seashore), it's full of information, tips, clear photographs, and recipes.


I really enjoy foraging - the more plants I learn to identify, the more I want to be outside making the most of all nature has to offer. Doesn't this photograph inspire you?


How do you like to eat your blackberries? I'll be making some bramble jelly, and I'm sure once the weather has cooled a little, a blackberry and apple crumble (or two...).

20 comments:

JP said...

I can't believe these are ready already - I want a bit more summer yet please!!!!!

Curlew Country said...

I still have a few in the freezer from last year! Can't believe I missed them and they're ready here too now. That lovely warm April and June must have brought them on.

In a crumble with apples from my parents garden is the winning dish in our house. Absolutely.
Stephx

blue china studio happy said...

The book looks so inspiring. I'll have to look those up.

I love blackberry crumble. Our blackberries here are just about ready too.

Simone said...

I have been picking and freezing Blackberries from my garden since July!!! They seem very early to me this year and I also think of them as a September fruit.x

sweetmyrtle said...

blackberry and apple crumble is my favourite
yum x

Grandmaibb said...

I was only looking at the blackberries, on the hedges around the allotments, this morning. I must remember to take a bowl tomorrow.

Dan said...

Mmm, those blackberries look really delicious! Ours are out too I noticed today. By the way, I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to Derek Jarman's Garden - I wasn't lucky enough to win your giveaway copy, but I did manage to order one from my local library. What a wonderful book! I have spent several hours reading it in the car today (don't worry, I wasn't driving). What a beautiful location, wonderful writing and stunning photographs. I've made a note of lots of the plants Derek chose, and love the shingle setting and his garden sculptures. Thanks a million!
Dan
-x-

driftwood said...

mmmm crumble.
silverpebbes portable version is perfect with brambles xoxo

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Well I too have to vote for the blackberry and apple crumble...I say vote as I rarely get to taste any, it disappears too fast in our house!

Ali said...

Must take a peek at that book.
We made blackberry ice cream last year, which was amazing (in colour and taste)

Frogdancer said...

I'm thinking of planting some blckberry vines. I love them and they're so expensive to buy.

Gina said...

Blackberry and apple crumble for me!

willow said...

Every year I think that the blackberries are early, probably because I don't want summer to end.

kristina said...

Such gorgeous blackberries! I wish there were more foraging opportunities round Teddington. I think I've forgotten everything we learned on our course. But at least we have blackberries on the plot--and they have the advantage of being thornless!

K x

dottycookie said...

Oooh, blackberry and apple crumble with lots of custard -it feels like autumn here so I'm not surprised the blackberries are out!

silverpebble said...

Oh wowee, that book looks like one I might just have to treat myself to. I've been trying to forage more this year and it would definitely help.

Sorry I haven't answered your locket email yet - it's been all go here!

Unknown said...

Can't get used to the fact that outside Yorkshire this fruit is called a blackberry, to me it's a bramble. So bramble pie defintely for me. Two important things though, sprinkle the fruit with a teaspoon of arrowroot or cornflour before you put the pastry lid on and then just before serving prise open the lid and inset a knob of butter...that's how my Grandma made it. My favoured bramble picking place is the field behind Grove wood in Godolphin -I'm away so go for it!

Em said...

Hello, Just came across your fab blog. I love your photos. I shall be looking out for that programe..Em x

Unknown said...

The first wild blackberries are such heaven, if we manage not to eat them all on the way home then I really love blackberry and apple crumble.

Lisa said...

I made these last year and they were a hit. Blackberry and oat bars from an Asda magazine. Here's the online link.
http://www.asdamagazine.com/home/food/recipes/view?rid=867