Now Forage

Black walnut: Harvest when the green husk turns yellow-green and the nut falls naturally or can be shaken loose. Wear gloves — the husk stains permanently. Remove husk immediately, then cure nuts in a cool, airy place for 2–3 weeks before cracking. Intensely flavoured.

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.

Pawpaw: Green skin turns slightly yellow and gives like a ripe avocado. Custard-like, mango-banana scented flesh inside. Falls at the slightest touch. Very short shelf life — refrigerate and eat within days. Found throughout eastern North America.