Now Forage

Bay laurel: Pick leaves year-round; fresh or dried. Mature, dark green leaves have more essential oils than young pale ones. Dry in bunches for full flavour. Black berries in autumn are not edible.

Fig: Hangs heavily and droops at the neck; skin softens and may split. A sweet drop of nectar at the base eye and the absence of white sap at the stem confirm ripeness. Pick with a gentle twist.

Lemon (Citrus): Uniformly yellow skin; heavy for its size. Can stay on the tree for months once yellow. Scratch the skin — a strong lemon scent confirms ripeness.

Mandarin: Deep orange, slightly loose skin that separates easily from the segments. Heavy for its size. The skin can pucker and look slightly wrinkled when fully ripe — not a sign of spoilage.

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.

Red mulberry: Deep red to purple-black when fully ripe. Falls naturally. Tart-sweet flavour. Spread cloth below and shake. Stains permanently.