Yesterday I went for a long bike ride in glorious autumn weather; the sun still had some power and the wind was alive. Mushrooms were absolutely everywhere.
In Torphins I found Sorbus aria (Whitebeam) trees with fully ripened fruit.
Very different from the ones in our street, which are still green! So i picked a small bag full… Nearer home I found lots of beautiful windfall apples in the grass at the side of the road, so they too went into my pannier. Back home I put the two together and made what I call ‘apple honey’. It’s got the texture of honey and the flavour of apple.
These jars (bar one!) are for the people who’ve given me eggs in August.
On my ride I also found the delightful Amethyst deceiver:
And a sunbathing porcini, which I have now eaten (sometimes it does feel wrong to pick them, when they’re so beautiful…)
Finally, on Friday I had an early morning run in Hazlehead (always carrying a knife and a bag), when I came across a Saffron milkcap! I must have screamed with joy. These are highly esteemed across Europe and I’ve never seen them here. They have a beautiful leopard print on their stipe. Cooked, they remain firm and slightly nutty.
Another working week ahead, but I’ve got the freezer stocked and my Kilner jars full of leaves. Beech tea has been fuelling my evening work sessions, it’s very thirst quenching. I’m looking forward to the proper arrival of Autumn!
The healthy forager 