Today I wanna talk about my passion for sourcing food from the wilderness, an experience that brings me great joy. I'm not sure why but I just find so cool to be able to go to the wild and find food.
Wild Garlic and Berry Bliss
To me one of the greatest pleasures of hiking and walking in the woods is discovering nature's hidden treasures. I'm talking about an abundance of wild garlic and berries, each offering a burst of freshness that's incomparable to anything store-bought. The thrill of collecting these culinary gems for free and using them in my dishes fills me with excitement. Every April I fill a basket with those and have enough wild garlic to eat throughout the entire year. I'm not quite sure how to explain but it's a unique feeling to me to know that I'm eating something that grew in the wild and I found it and harvested and ate it. Nature as it's purest.
Pro Tip: If you're planning on going wild garlic foraging, it's essential to be absolutely certain you're picking the right plant. Wild garlic looks similar to some other plants, including toxic ones like Lily of the Valley. Double-check and consult a trusted field guide if needed. Safety first!
Anyone else out there with the same feeling about finding your own food in the wild?
Mushroom Hunting: A Quest for Flavor
Mushroom hunting is another endeavor close to my heart. The forest floor holds secrets waiting to be unveiled, but learning this art can be a challenge. Finding a mentor to guide you through the world of mushrooms can be as elusive as the fungi themselves. At least that's been my current situation here where I live (Germany), and as my German isn't fluent yet, it can create even more barriers.
Mushroom cream sauce, mushroom soup, stuffed mushrooms, there's so many different dishes you can cook with them, I like mushrooms a lot. So I won't give up on my dream to learn mushroom picking on day. If you know mushrooms be sure to let me know.
Mountain Rivers: Nature's Refreshment
Another experience I enjoy is drinking from mountain rivers, it connects us directly to the earth's purity. It's a privilege to take a break during a hike and taste nature's own refreshment, that cold, crystal-clear waters.
On the topic of water, another thing I like to do when I have the chance is to jump, preferably, naked into cold water. In any hike I go if there's a river or lake and the opportunity to jump in, you can count me in.
Botanical Exploration: Nature's Field Guide
As I trek along the hiking trails, I find joy in recognizing the various plants that adorn my path. Learning to identify these flora enhances the journey and deepens my appreciation for the environment. The habit actually started with me trying to keep my children engaged with nature, which foster a sense of harmony with the world around us. Now they love showing me all the plants and flowers they find along the way.
In Conclusion
My blog is a portal into my world of hiking, where each post shows new discoveries and experiences I've lived. The passion for sourcing food from the wild, be it wild garlic, berries, mushrooms, or the pure waters of mountain rivers, is a central theme in my hiking journey. As we explore the trails and venture deeper into the wilderness, it's my hope to share the magic of these experiences, revealing the delight that can be found in nature's hidden pantry. Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure amidst the great outdoors.
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