Now Forage

Blackberry: Fully black (not red or dark red) and comes off the stem with no resistance — zero pull. Dull rather than shiny; a shiny black berry is still slightly underripe and tart. Eat the same day for best flavour.

Mint: Harvest leaves just before flowering for peak flavour. Cut stems back by a third regularly to encourage bushy growth. Flavour declines after flowering — cut flower spikes off to extend harvest.

Stinging nettle: Harvest only the top 4–6 young leaves in spring before flowering. Use gloves — sting disappears completely on cooking. Blanch, steam, or make into soup. Do not eat once plant flowers (gets gritty). Highly nutritious — rich in iron and vitamins.