May Foraging

1. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Where to Find It
Common in hedgerows, woodlands, and along field edges, hawthorn thrives in a variety of soils and light conditions. It is especially abundant in May, when it produces clusters of small white flowers.

What to Pick
The young, tender leaves, developing flower buds, and fully open flowers. The leaves have a slight tang, while the flowers offer a delicate, almond-like fragrance.

How to Use It
Salads: Add hawthorn flowers and young leaves to salads for a fresh, mild flavour.

Tea: Steep flowers and leaves for a soothing, calming herbal tea. It’s known for its heart-healthy benefits.

Garnish: Use the pretty hawthorn flowers as a delicate garnish for desserts, cakes, or cocktails.

Health Benefits
Hawthorn has long been used to support heart health, particularly for improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is thought to improve heart function and reduce symptoms of heart disease.

Storage
Best used fresh, though flowers can be dried for later use in teas or infusions.

2. Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

Where to Find It
Oxeye daisy is abundant in meadows, grassy verges, hedgerows, and along roadsides. It blooms from late spring to early summer, making May the perfect time to forage.

What to Pick
Fresh, young leaves and unopened flower buds. The leaves are sweet-tasting before the plant flowers, while the buds can be pickled and the flowers added to salads.

How to Use It
Salads: Toss young oxeye daisy leaves in a salad for a fresh, sweet flavour that complements other wild greens.

Pickled Buds: Pickle the unopened flower buds like capers to add a tangy kick to savoury dishes.

Tea: The flowers and leaves can be used to make a floral herbal tea.

Health Benefits: Oxeye daisies are believed to possess mild anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful for soothing sore throats and aiding digestion. The flowers also have calming effects, which can help reduce anxiety and stress.

Storage: Best used fresh, but the flowers and buds can be dried for later use in teas or as a garnish.

3. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Where to Find It
Found in grassy meadows, open fields, and along roadsides, red clover thrives in sunny areas. It’s particularly abundant during May.

What to Pick
The flower heads, which are full of nutrients and have a sweet, mild flavour. These small flowers are rich in antioxidants and have medicinal uses.

How to Use It
Salad Garnish: Add the flower heads to salads for a pop of colour and a sweet taste that balances earthy greens.

Herbal Tea: Steep the flowers in hot water to create a calming tea, which is said to support hormonal balance.

Smoothies: Add red clover flowers to smoothies for a boost of nutrients, including vitamins C and K.

Health Benefits
Red clover is known for its phytoestrogen content, which can help balance hormones, especially in women going through menopause. It’s also beneficial for improving skin health, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation.

Storage
The flowers can be used fresh or dried for later use in teas or other culinary applications.

4. Ladies Smock (Cardamine pratensis)

Where to Find It
Also known as Cuckoo Flower, Ladies Smock thrives in damp meadows and grassy clearings. It’s found in moist, fertile soils, often in early spring, when it’s abundant.

What to Pick
Both the tender leaves and the delicate pink flowers are edible. The leaves have a spicy, horseradish-like flavor, while the flowers are mild and slightly peppery.

How to Use It
Salads: Add the young, tender leaves to a salad for a peppery, mustard-like taste.

Pesto: The leaves can be blended into a wild pesto, adding a zingy twist to your usual recipe.

Garnish: Use the pretty pink flowers to decorate cakes, desserts, or cocktails.

Health Benefits
Ladies Smock contains compounds with mild detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. It has traditionally been used to support digestive health, relieve indigestion, and ease bloating. The leaves may also aid in reducing joint pain and improving circulation.

Storage
The leaves are best used fresh, though they can be dried for later use, although they lose some of their flavor in the process. The flowers can be stored in the fridge for short-term use.

5. Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Where to Find It
Chickweed is common in gardens, hedgerows, and waste ground. It thrives in shaded, moist areas, and can be found throughout spring and summer.

What to Pick
The young, tender leaves and stems. Chickweed has a mild, slightly sweet flavour, and is high in vitamins and minerals.

How to Use It
Salads: Use chickweed as the base for a fresh green salad or mix with other wild greens for extra flavour.

Sandwiches: Add to sandwiches or wraps for a light, leafy bite.

Smoothies: Chickweed’s mild flavor makes it easy to blend into smoothies, offering an extra dose of nutrients like vitamin C and iron.

Health Benefits
Chickweed is rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. It is known for its soothing effects on the skin and digestive system, helping with conditions like eczema, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also believed to help with weight loss by reducing water retention.

Storage
Best used fresh and stored in the fridge for up to a few days.

6. Coastal Foraging Finds

May is the perfect time to explore the coast for a variety of nutrient-rich plants that thrive in saline environments. Here are some prime coastal finds to look for:

Marsh Samphire: Known for its crunchy texture and salty taste, marsh samphire is perfect for pickling or adding to seafood dishes. It’s also rich in vitamin C.

Health Benefits: Marsh samphire is high in antioxidants, and its salty, mineral-rich nature makes it a good source of iodine, which supports thyroid health. It’s also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Sea Purslane: A succulent with a naturally salty flavor, sea purslane is great for adding to salads, stir-fries, or using as a garnish.

Health Benefits Sea purslane is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it excellent for supporting heart health and boosting immune function.

Storage: Best used fresh and stored in the fridge for up to a few days.

7.Elderflower Blossoms

Where to Find It
Elderflower trees are commonly found in hedgerows, woodland edges, and along roadsides, often thriving in damp, fertile soils. The blossoms bloom in late spring to early summer, typically around May to June, and are easy to spot with their large, flat clusters of small, creamy white flowers.

What to Pick
The elderflower blossoms are the edible part of the plant. Pick the flowers while they are fully open, as they contain the most fragrance and flavor. Avoid picking from plants near roads or areas that may have been exposed to pesticides or pollution.

How to Use It
Cordials and Syrups: Elderflowers are famous for making homemade cordials and syrups, perfect for refreshing summer drinks.
Teas: The flowers can be dried and steeped in hot water to make a fragrant herbal tea.
Desserts: The subtle floral notes of elderflowers work wonderfully in sorbets, ice creams, and cakes.
Flavouring: Infuse elderflower into water or add to vinegars for a unique, aromatic flavour.

April is a time of abundance in the wild, with many plants at their peak for foraging. By foraging responsibly, you can enjoy the flavours of the season while supporting local ecosystems and ensuring that these plants continue to thrive. So, grab your basket, head out into the fresh spring air, and discover the bounty nature has to offer!