Now Forage

American persimmon: Must be fully ripe (very soft, almost jelly-like) before eating. Harvest after first frost or when naturally falling. Dark orange to purple when ready. Rich, caramel-sweet flavour.

Apple: Background colour changes from green to yellow or cream (variety determines final colour). Seeds inside should be brown. Flesh yields slightly to thumb pressure. A ripe apple releases with a gentle upward twist — no pulling. Check the ground for natural drops.

Mulberry: Ripe when fully coloured (white, red, or black by species) and falls at a touch. Spread a sheet and shake the branches. Extremely perishable — process or eat immediately.

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.

Peach: Background skin colour shifts from green to yellow; red blush is variety-dependent and not a reliable indicator. Fruit yields to gentle pressure near the stem end. Fragrant aroma at the base. Harvest when it detaches with a slight twist — no tugging needed.

Pecan: The green husk splits into four sections and turns brown when ripe. Shake branches or wait for fall. Cure in a cool, dry place for 2–3 weeks. Kernels should be full and not shrivelled.