Foraging has had a bit of a comeback lately, and that really does make a lot of sense – there’s something so very satisfying about stepping outside and gathering your own food. It’s like having your own supermarket on your doorstep (a free one!) but you don’t have to contend with any queues or, for the most part, any other people either. 

But apart from the obvious appeal of free food, why is foraging such a good idea? Keep reading for some answers to help you decide whether this might be the right step for you in your eco-living journey. 

Free, Fresh, And Full Of Flavour

Supermarkets are definitely convenient, but when was the last time you bought something like a store-bought strawberry, for example, and were impressed with the taste? Perhaps never, and that’s the point. The fact is that so much of our food is bred for a long shelf life that it loses all flavour, so what’s the point in that? 

Wild food, however, is as fresh as it can get, and you can find all kinds of delicious things like blackberries, wild garlic, elderflowers, and so on, and when you pick them right from the source, they’ll actually taste the way they’re meant to. And, of course, what makes all that even better is that it’s all completely free! 

A Connection To Nature 

There’s something so very special about wandering through woodlands, fields, or along the coast, or wherever it is you’ve gone foraging and actually paying attention to what’s growing around you. Most of us walk past edible plants all the time without even realising it, but once you start foraging, you’ll suddenly see everything outside in a completely different way, and it turns every walk you take into a fun new adventure. 

Plus, it’s a great way to slow down and be present, which is incredibly important. We’re living in a world that’s jam-packed full of screens and schedules, and taking a break to pick some wild herbs or berries can feel so relaxing, and almost like a form of meditation, which is fantastic for the mind and, since you’re picking fresh, healthy food, the body too. 

Learning What’s Safe

Foraging is brilliant, but it does come with one very important rule – you’ve got to know what you’re picking. The fact is that not everything growing out in the wild is safe to eat, and some plants might look innocent, but they can cause a nasty reaction or even worse. That’s why learning to identify poisonous plants is an absolute must, and there are handy websites you can go to to help you – and to help you find out other rules about foraging, come to that. 

The key is to research properly, take things slowly, and, if you’ve got any doubts, don’t touch it. But don’t let that put you off! There are plenty of beginner-friendly, easy-to-identify plants you can start with, including nettles (which, yes, they do sting, but once they’re cooked into something like soup, that’s no longer an issue). Over time, you’ll build up your knowledge, and before you know it, you’ll be confidently picking all the ingredients for an amazing feast!