Now Forage

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.

Crabapple: Small apples ripen from green to red, yellow, or orange by variety. Very tart raw but excellent for jelly and cider. Ripe when the colour is fully developed and the fruit lifts off with a gentle twist.

ginkgo: Female trees only: fleshy, apricot-like fruit falls when ripe, emitting a very unpleasant rancid-butter smell. Wear gloves — the outer flesh causes dermatitis. The inner nut is edible; roast or boil after removing shells. Limit intake (toxins at high dose).