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.

Blackthorn: Sloe berries: small, round, blue-black with a heavy bloom. Intensely astringent raw — traditionally harvested after the first frost, which breaks down tannins. Best used for sloe gin or jelly. Spiny branches — wear gloves when harvesting.

Cherry plum: Turns red, yellow, or purple depending on variety; flesh gives slightly under thumb pressure. Taste-test — ripe ones are sweet-tart with little astringency. Drops easily from stem when gently twisted.

Damson plum: Small, oval, dark blue-purple. Intensely tart raw — best after first frost or for cooking. Fully ripe when skin darkens completely and fruit gives to pressure. Excellent for jam and gin.

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.