It’s been a wonderful long weekend full of fantastic food surprises! Aberdeenshire is now at the height of summer and belting out the goodies, left right and centre. When I go for a bike ride I don’t need to take fruit with me anymore; just a pot and some yogurt, and the hedgerows provide the rest.
Mushroom-wise, the Chanterelles and Orange Birch Boletes are out, as well as several members of the Agaricus genus. I’ve been eating mushrooms and scrambled egg every day for the past week. It’s a simple and delicious meal!
On my ride yesterday I was treated to a huge patch of wild mint – absolutely tons and tons of it. I’ve taken enough leaves for a Kilner jar full, for John and me to enjoy as an after-dinner drink.
Also in the drinks department are Barberries. I never noticed them before but they’re actually growing in the hedges in our street. I’ve picked them to make cordial – it tastes like a cross between grapes and blackcurrant.
Talking of blackcurrants, I am preparing the ground for another round of wine making! Tonight I picked the required 1700 grams, and I’ve ordered the yeast online. When that arrives, brewing can commence!
Last but not least, I must share with you a beauty of an aubergine that’s growing on our windowsill. It’s not full size yet, but I often stare at it in wonder:
Aberdeenshire may not be the warmest place on Earth (thankfully not), but it has some of the finest wild produce. I feel very blessed to live here!
The healthy forager 