Now Forage

Black elderberry: Clusters of deep purple-black berries; cut entire clusters. Never eat raw — cook thoroughly (destroys sambunigrin). Ripe when all berries on the cluster are uniformly dark and the cluster droops. High in antioxidants; excellent syrup.

Hazel: Green husks turn brown and pull back from the nut; ripe nuts fall freely or shake loose. Gather before squirrels. Dry in a warm place for 1–2 weeks for best flavour. Catkins (male flowers) are edible in early spring.

Mirabelle plum: Small golden-yellow plums with a reddish blush when ripe. Very sweet and aromatic. Ripen from late July; fall freely when ready. Pick as soon as they soften — they ferment quickly on the branch.