Living on an island with its’ own unique landscape and seasonality, I have forgotten how different Spring is in the rest of New England. I grew up in western Connecticut, where Spring is warm and lush with blooming trees, bright green grass, and a bounty of flowers. This week I’ve been visiting my family in Washington, CT.
Wild ramps grow on the riverbank
wild ramps
My parents happen to live right next to hundreds of acres of conservation forest that runs along the Shepaug River. I am so taken by the beautiful wildflowers in the forest and the bounty of wild edible plants. We foraged for wild ramps along the riverbanks yesterday evening. Fiddleheads, the spiraled young fern shoots, abound amongst the moss-covered forest floor.
Burgundy colored Trillium flowers growing on the forest floor
Wild nettles, dandelions, and purslane are lovely additions to sautéed greens. Beautiful purple, white and yellow violets make pretty edible additions to salads and desserts. And if you look closely for them, you will find Chanterelle mushrooms in season now.
Fiddleheads
Fiddleheads
I’m inspired to find more wild edibles on Nantucket. I’ve only foraged for wild berries on the island, but there must be wild greens, mushrooms, and herbs to be found. Have you foraged for wild edibles before? What have you found?
Violets and dandelions blanket the lawn
A well earned rest with Grandpa
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