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Wild edibles in Spring: Dandelion capers

22/4/2014

Another super easy wild edibles recipe that works great with kids: dandelion capers.

You need to pick the closed flower buds. These are the buds before they bloom. After blooming, dandelion forms similar looking 'buds' where the puff seeds are formed, so make sure you are dealing with unopened flower buds rather than seed buds. If you are in doubt, squeeze the bud gently between your index finger and thumb. You should see the yellow petals.

Fill a glass jar with the dandelion buds. Cover with vinegar. If you want to create a fuller flavour, use a home made vinegar. You can use any wild green vinegar, a wild flower vinegar, and even spruce vinegar.
Next, add some herbal salt. For one cup I used 1,5 tablespoon of herbal salt.

Close the jar and let stand for 6 to 8 weeks. I know I mention this over and over again, but if the lid of your jar is metal, don't forget that vinegar acts corrosive. Avoid the vinegar eating your lid (and spoiling your capers) by placing a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the contents of the jar.

This tastes great in salads, on wild pizzas, dips or spreads.

The picture above shows exactly what you're after: firmly closed dandelion buds. Expectations of a yellow festival.

This one's too far for dandelion capers, but still good in salads or an infused vinegar.

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Foraging is not just about taking. It's about giving back as well. #foragersgivingback

1/4/2014

3 Comments

It all started a few years ago, when I was working in Amsterdam for a project where we made an installation with wild edibles we found on the street, and served the audience wild street foods. While we were chopping some chickweed, the cook I was working with asked if I ever foraged caraway, "a wonderful native wild edible plant". The only thing I could think about since then is how I never found caraway in the wild.

Never. Not once. And even though I would be thrilled to find it, I already know I would never pick it and use it. It's become so rare that it's protected by law here. That made me ponder.

So, I have a cunning plan (yes, I am a Blackadder fan. And yes, I was actually waiting or an opportunity to use that phrase). But seriously, I have a plan. One you can all help me with.
Nature provides us with so many wonderful wild foods and medicines. How about giving back a little?

Here's the action plan:

Get yourself a big bag of caraway seeds. Want to know a secret? If you buy them in seed packages to plant in the garden, they'll be a *lot* more expensive than when you buy them as a kitchen spice. In my experience, as long a you buy good quality, organic seeds, they will sprout. If caraway is not native where you live, you can use another plant species. Just think about what rare wild native plant you think of as useful and would like to see more in your area.
Divide the seeds in smaller portions. You can make seed envelopes or reuse old spice jars with holes in the lid. It's also ridiculously easy to make one yourself, just pierce the metal lid of a small glass jar with a knife or screwdriver and you're ready to sprinkle seeds!
Choose a nice sunny spot. Yes, this even works in urban micro climates. The best way to do this is while walking or biking (though I know of some people who have been doing this on the highway in their cars). It's nice if you take a place where you pass frequently. This way you can see the landscape evolve, give some extra water if needed, and see the fruits of your action.
Make small seed envelopes and hand them out as gifts. Seed and plant catalogues, old maps, children's drawings, they all make great seed packages. Give them as birthday gifts, thank you gifts, 'no reason' gifts. A present like this is always appreciated. Tell your friends about what you are doing and why. Involve kids.
Post your action online #foragersgivingback. You can also use the comments below. The more people are sharing this, the more people will get inspired to participate.

As for me, I've introduced them in the garden and in the public area here I live. Can't wait for them to sprout. I am even waiting for rain... I've handed them out to some of my students, friends, relatives. I'm giving a seed bomb workshop in Belgium on May 1st that will involve caraway seeds.

But you probably want to hear some more on caraway as a plant. It's an interesting plant. I thought I knew it. Bit I didn't. Let's see:

Carum Carvi
English: Caraway, Meridian Fennel, Persian Cumin
Dutch: (Echte) Karwij
French: Carvi, Cumin des Pres
German: (Echter) Kümmel, Wiesen-Kümmel, Gemeiner Kümmel

Caraway is an exceptional plant. We know the seeds as spice, in sauerkraut, with potatoes, even in desserts. I've combined caraway seeds on quite a few occasions with wild roses, which is a devine flavour combination.
The seed is a carminative spice, that means it helps digestion, which can be helpful to people dealing with flatulence and bloating.

But it doesn't stop there. It's a biennial plant, meaning that caraway only forms leaves during the first year of its life. Leaves that can be eaten like parley. Am I the only one whose curiosity gets tickled by reading that? There's even more. At the end of that first year, the roots can be eaten like parsnips.

Oh, the joy of new discoveries. It does sound like something we want to try out, right?

The second (and last) year, the plant starts to bloom and form seeds. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could spot these in the wild the way our ancestors did?

It can happen. All it needs is a little action from your side.
And don't think one simple act from you won't make a difference. When I was working on a foraging project in Brussels, we found quite some wild leeks (Allium ampeloprasum). Later I met a man who said he just felt like it should be reintroduced in Brussels and so he started planting. One man.

Or if you really want some inspiration, watch the video below.

And now, turn off your computer and get yourself some caraway seeds. I'm serious.

3 Comments

Wild edibles in Spring: Dandelion capers

Foraging is not just about taking. It's about giving back as well. #foragersgivingback

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