Here are 5 edibles to forage in September in the UK

We are coming up to the autumn equinox at the end of this month and already the leaves have started to change colour and some trees have started to drop their leaves.

We have compiled some edibles here that you can easily find and forage and preserve ready for the colder autumnal and winter months.

Cauliflower Fungus (Sparassis crispa)

 

The Cauliflower fungus is usually available between the months of August to November. Generally found at the base of scots pine or other conifer tree roots and tree stumps.

The Cauliflower fungus is a great fungus to eat as it has a mild nutty flavour and its texture after cooking is like tagliatelle. When foraging for the Cauliflower fungus always gather only the young specimens as the old ones are abit tough and bitter.

Cauliflower fungus is known for its anti-fungal and antibiotic properties because of a nutrient called sparassol which resides in the fungus.

You can dry out Cauliflower fungus in slices in a dehydrator or oven and use them later in cooking after rehydrating or you can make a lovely fresh Cauliflower mushroom stuffing to have with your roast dinner.

Rosehips

 

Rosehips are commonly found all over, from beach sides to woodlands, parks to irrigation ditches. They appear to grow well anywhere.

Rosehips are ripe between August through to December.

Rosehips have many medicinal properties some of which include: High in antioxidants, vitamin C,E and B. Rosehips reduce inflammation. Rosehips can boost the immune system and they may even prevent heart disease along with many other medicinal properties.

There are many recipes online of things which one can make with Rosehips but one of the most common recipes is Rosehip syrup. Rosehip syrup is great for fighting off common colds and flu symptoms throughout the winter and as a general tonic.

Hedgehog Mushroom (Hydnum repandum)

 

The Hedgehog Mushroom is commonly found hiding in grass or moss near beech,birch,pine and spruce trees.

The Hedgehog Mushroom can be found from September to December.

Hedgehog Mushrooms have a sweet, nutty and crunchy texture which makes them a great edible mushroom.

Hedgehog Mushrooms are delicious in soups or just sauteed in butter. They can also be dehydrated and stored in jars to use throughout the year.

Meadowsweet

 

Meadowsweet is generally found in damp meadows or by bodys of water. You can normally smell it before you see it as it has a very strong sweet smell.

Meadowsweet can be found from June until September.

Meadowsweet has been used to treat joint pains and gout aswell as colds and bronchitis.

There are a few things you can do with Meadowsweet and some that I like are Meadowsweet cordial or a nice Meadowsweet liqueur.

                                                                                         Cobnuts (Hazelnuts)

 

Cobnuts or more commonly known as Hazelnuts come from the Hazel tree. These can be found in woodlands, hedgerows and scrubland.

Cobnuts are usually ripe between September and Ocrober.

The humble Cobnut is packed full of protein, vitamins and fibre, which makes it an excellent choice to forage to keep you going through the colder months.

You can make some delicious meals with Cobnuts, like a Cobnut nut roast or plum and cobnut crumble or even a nice nutty cake the list is endless.