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.

Fennel: Leaves and stems edible from spring through summer; seeds harvest in September–October when they turn grey-green and start to fall. Cut seed heads into paper bags and hang to dry. Pollen (June–July) is intensely flavoured — shake flowers over food.

Plum: Colour fully develops (purple, red, or yellow by variety) and a waxy bloom appears on the skin. Softens slightly at the tip. Taste-test for sweetness — European plums are better slightly soft; Japanese types can be harvested firmer.