Foraging Guide: How to forage & what to look out for this Autumn

Inspired by our new range of River Cottage kombuchas, which celebrate foraged flavours from the English countryside, we’ve put together a handy foraging guide on what to look out for this Autumn!

What is foraging?

In simple terms, foraging is the process of finding and collecting different wild food types from nature; it means getting out there and exploring your natural surroundings for hidden treasures! When done correctly, foraging is an extremely sustainable and economical way to source wild food. 

The benefits of foraging 

Over the past few years, foraging has exploded in popularity, even in urban areas. You can now sign up to exclusive foraging courses to learn more about how to find and cook unusual wild plants, mushrooms, fruit and nuts. 

So, why is foraging so popular? Let’s take a look at the key benefits:

1. Once you know how, you can find delicious wild foods to enjoy all year round
2. It allows you to reconnect with and develop a new appreciation for the natural landscape around you
3. Wild foods tend to be higher in natural nutrients and vitamins than their conventionally grown equivalents
4. The foraged foods you find are always fresh and in season!
5. You can save money by cutting back on the amount of food you buy
6. It enables you to find and experiment with new foods and flavours
7. You can do it almost anywhere! You don’t need to live in picturesque countryside 
8. It’s a great activity to enjoy with all the family and get the kids out of the house!

Foraging the familiar

Before you’re fit to forage, there’s a few important best practices to keep in mind:

1. Do your research before so you can identify things easily. If you don’t know what something is, you’re best to leave it alone!
2. Only take what you need; don’t be greedy or wasteful
3. Avoid foraging from busy roadsides and other polluted areas
4. Wash everything thoroughly with clean water before eating
5. Steer clear of private land, unless you have permission from the landowner
6. Wear gloves and long sleeves if foraging in prickly hedgerows – safety first!
7. Avoid always going to the same site for the same thing. Keep on learning and exploring new places!

What to forage in Autumn?

Check out our favourite foods to forage this October & November.

Rosehips 

• Great for syrups, teas and jams
• Source of Vitamin A
• Can be found in woodlands and sometimes on the side of the road
• A not-so-secret ingredient in our best-selling Raspberry & Elderflower Kombucha

Sloes

• Perfect for making gin and wine!
• Can also be used in jams and jellies
• Source of Vitamin C and E
• Can be found in forests and hedgerows

Crab Apples

• Delicious in pies, crumbles and cakes for cold and rainy evenings
• Can also be used to make chutneys to accompany farmyard cheeses
• Source of Vitamin C
• Can be found in public parks or on trees by the roadside 
• The inspiration for our River Cottage Orchard Kombucha

Blackberries 

• A tasty porridge topping or pie/crumble filling
• Also delicious with organic yogurt and honey
• Source of Vitamins A, B, C and E!
• Can be found in hedgerows, footpaths and woodlands

Hazelnuts 

• Another fantastic topping for porridge or soups
• Heavenly with chocolate: think brownies, cakes and tarts
• Source of Vitamins B6 and E
• Can be found in woodlands and hedgerows (if the squirrels don’t get there first!)

Explore our foraged flavours of the Garden, Meadow, Hedge and Orchard here!