Now Forage

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.

Black walnut: Harvest when the green husk turns yellow-green and the nut falls naturally or can be shaken loose. Wear gloves — the husk stains permanently. Remove husk immediately, then cure nuts in a cool, airy place for 2–3 weeks before cracking. Intensely flavoured.

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.