Blackberries.

The other day we were taking a family stroll along the perimeter of the nearby school yard which borders our park, and we struck gold! Or rather, black...blackberries.

Nestled into the very corner, where two lines of fence meet, is this huge berry bush...I'm very surprised that it's laden with berries, being on the edge of a school yard. I suppose the children must not be allowed into that corner!

We enjoyed the berries which were ripe, and came back yesterday evening for more. The berries had a very tart, strong flavour which reminded me of berry flavoured candies I've had. In other words, they were delicious. Nothing at all like the completely tasteless blackberries I've had from Mexico.

I've found that if you are careful to look, even in an urban setting it's possible to find edibles outside. We found these berries at the school yard...there are raspberries growing along the edge of our condo's property, and rhubarb in one corner too...although I've never been in time to enjoy either of those! Then of course there are dandelion greens, which are always in plentiful supply everywhere you go. :)

I've heard many times that in the Great Depression, people foraged for a weed called lamb's quarters, but I never knew what they were. Funny thing, I just looked it up, and found that lamb's quarters is a weed that grows all over the place...in fact it's one that I pull out of my garden regularly, but I never knew what it was! Perhaps next time I see some, I'll try cooking it up.

Foraging for wild food is a subject I'd love to learn more about in the future...in the near future though, I think we'll be heading back to that blackberry patch soon!

Have a lovely Friday everyone...we are heading back to Point Pelee today, to spend the day at the beach. On that note, I must away...:)

Comments

[Andrea]

Point Pelee! It's been years since I was down there. Enjoy!

[alex]

We love Point Pelee and go there as often as we can! Our dog loves it too :)

We should maybe meet up there at the beach sometime..

[Laura Jeanne]

That's a cool idea, Alex! Let me know if you ever want to try planning something. :)