Foraging on the Farm

Walking around the farm on various errands have made me aware of all the foraging goodies that the hedgerows have to offer, and even though I’ve missed the elderberries (again!) there was plenty of lovely rose hips for the picking. So whilst Charles was cutting the hedges around the fields with the tractor I went off with a wicker basket to gather what I could.

I’ve never picked or cooked with rose hips before due to the fact that I have never seen more than 10 rose hips together in the wild since now, there just so happens to be a lot on the farm and I couldn’t resist. I must have spent a good hour picking the rose hips (and taking photographs!) and all this was from just one corner of the field. I’ve always wanted to make a rose hip syrup but seeing as all my preserving bottles, jars and equipment are at home in Southampton I thought I would simply dry the hips to use in herbal teas throughout the Winter. Something simple but hopefully very yummy and if it’s any good I’ll be sure to pick more next year!

I also picked a few blackberries to make an apple and blackberry crumble with for pudding one night and even though the farm had lots of brambles I think I missed the height of blackberry picking. Never mind though, there’s always next year and at least I managed to pick enough for that crumble, the perfect treat for a cold Autumn day!