Now Forage

Common hackberry: Small, round berries turn from orange-red to dark purple-black. Ripe when dark and slightly soft; sweet, date-like flavour with a hard seed. Persistent through winter — a valuable wildlife and emergency food. Eat fresh or dry and grind (seed included).

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.