6 Things to Forage in September
As well as countless different varieties of mushroom which can usually be foraged in September, there are other fruits, nuts, seeds and plants which are ready towards the end of the foraging year.
Here is a simple list of some of the things available with their benefits, 6 Things to Forage in September. Do remember that the timing will vary due to the weather conditions throughout the summer!
Nettle Seeds
Most people learn pretty early on what a nettle is from those nasty little stings (plantain helps relieve the pain by the way!) but did you know they are really nutritious? By this time of year, the leaves may not be the freshest but those mature plants should be showing signs of seeds. These can be harvested and will need to be dried out to store.
Benefits:
After nettles have flowered, they go to seed. These tiny little seeds are chock full of nutritious goodies such as calcium, iron, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C.
Uses:
Dry out and add to anything you would usually add seeds to eg granola, flapjacks or smoothies.
Crabapples
Crabapples are often found in the wild around this time. They're easy to spot as look just like small green or red apples.
Benefits:
Crabapples are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. They are also high in pectin which can help jams to reach setting point.
Uses:
One of the most common uses of crabapple is jelly. It can also be made into jam or sweetened and put into pies.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is one of those that looks like it could be poisonous. Thankfully these little red berries are safe to eat and they taste rather like tiny apples!
Benefits:
These berries are packed with antioxidants and are full of vitamin C. Great for boosting the immune system before the winter sets in, Hawthorn berries are also said to contain anti-inflammatory products and can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Uses:
The berries can be turned into jams, jellies, syrups, tinctures or fruit leathers.
Elderberries
Elderberries are the tiny little dark red berries found on the elder tree after the sweet flowers from earlier in the year have passed.
Benefits:
Elderberries are full of antioxidants and Vitamin C. They are great for the immunes system and help to lower inflammation. They are also good for the respiratory system.
Uses:
The most common use of elderberries is syrup. Here's a link to our honey elderberry syrup. As well as being used in desserts such as flapjacks, it can also be made into a jam, vinegar or liqueur.
Sloes (blackthorn)
These berries, although not related to blueberries, do look very similar. Blackthorn is a thorny shrub so take care whilst harvesting!
Benefits:
Sloes are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E. They are also said to improve digestive issues such as relieving constipation, reducing bloating, and relieving diarrhoea. Sloes also contain anti-rheumatic properties which can help fight influenza.
Uses:
Although sloes can be eaten raw, they are rather bitter so are best processed. They can be made into syrup, jam or jelly as well as wine or gin.
Conkers (NOT EDIBLE)
My children are always searching for conkers on the ground from the big Horse Chestnut trees at this time of year. Although they are NOT EDIBLE, conkers do have many other uses so in my book, are still a useful foraging find.
Uses:
Conkers contain a natural compound called saponin which means you can make soap from them. They are similar to soap nuts and can be used to make hand soaps, laundry soaps or even shampoo. Conkers can also be used for decor and games and there's a rumour that it keeps spiders and moths away!
What are your favourite things to forage in the Autumn? Do share below!
