Foraging wild garlic in the spring
In the spring, our foraging excursions lead us to the treasure of wild garlic, known affectionately as "Oniony onion" or by its Latin name, Allium Ursinum, which resonates with our little Bear as "Bear Onion."
Skating on a Wobbly Ice Floe Pond
As spring begins to softly nudge the winter away, it brings with it not just the blossoming of flowers but also unique, fleeting wonders. One such marvel this season was the pond near our home, which, under the thawing embrace of spring, transformed into an enchanting, wobbly ice floe rink.
Sipping spring: Freshly tapped Birch sap
Tapping birch sap is an early spring tradition that brings the forest's bounty to our breakfast table, offering a natural supplement to traditional morning beverages. Selecting the right birch, we drill carefully to collect the sap, which flows most abundantly in the early morning. This sweet, woody, and refreshing liquid, with its subtle mineral notes and slight sweetness, is akin to drinking the essence of spring itself.
The Delight of Mini Chanterelles
Out in the forest's quiet, under the whispering canopies, we've discovered a tiny treasure trove: mini chanterelles, no larger than a pinkie finger, awaiting those with keen eyes and gentle hands. Some might pass them by, waiting for the full flourish of sprouted fungi, but not us. With Bear as our guide, his small stature a secret weapon, we pluck these young gems from their mossy cradle.
Signs of Autumn
Embracing autumn in our woods, we're reminded of the Scandinavian 'høst' or harvest. As golden hues and breezes whisper of change, the apples gleam and starlings prepare for winter. Amidst the scent of burning wood and rustling of fading leaves, we find solace in the tranquil embrace of the season.
Foraging wild Wood Sorrel
Discover the simple joy of foraging wild wood sorrel—a tart and lemony treasure waiting for you in the woods. Learn how this easily identifiable plant can be a flavorful addition to your culinary adventures. From cake toppings to zesty salads, wood sorrel brings a touch of wild to your table.
Plucking Apples and the Æblerov apple-snatchers
Learn the art of æblerov, the Danish tradition of apple 'plundering,' and discover how to tell when an apple tree is ripe for the picking. From the "half-twist test" to checking the color of the seeds, we share our time-tested tips for a fruitful foraging adventure.
Young hazelnuts: A Forager's Guide to Coexisting with Squirrels
Discover the hidden delights and dramas of our local hazelnut forest. Learn how we've adapted our foraging habits to coexist with the agile and acrobatic squirrels that call this woodland home.
The giant boletus mushrooms
In our woodland explorations, we've discovered giant bolete mushrooms, with some weighing in at over a pound each. These are the grand specimens of Boletus edulis and Boletus badius, majestic in size and brimming with deep, intense flavor, akin to a finely matured cheese. Here, we showcase some of our most impressive findings, each one a delectable promise of meals to come and a vivid reminder of the bountiful surprises the forest holds.
The Secretive Art of Chantarelle Picking
Dive into the hushed rhythm of the forest as we unveil the mysteries of mushroom picking, specifically the golden treasure - chantarelles. Our post illuminates the unwritten rules of this secretive pursuit, elucidates the tradition of leaving some fungi behind, and shares a glimpse into how Bear and Ronia learnt to identify these bright, uniquely shaped delights.
Embracing Solitude: A Date With Nature
Picture a serene lake, reflecting the world like a mirror. As the golden hour sets in, the setting sun casts long shadows, painting a tranquil landscape. Such moments of solitude are a balm for the weary soul.
Dark Cherry Delight: Unveiling the Shadow Morello
From our hefty Morello cherry trees hang clusters of inky cherries, ripe and ready for juicing. With flavors reminiscent of the Nordic Stevnskirsebær or Italian amarene cherries, these Morellos make a sweet, potent juice that's perfect for a cozy bedtime drink. And the process? It's as simple as grind, strain, and sip. But beware, its deep, dramatic color can be deceiving - it's a deliciously fresh drink with a secret sleep-inducing benefit
Blueberry Bliss - A Nordic Foraging Adventure
A journey through the forest reveals the quiet charm of foraging wild blueberries in Scandinavia. Whether it's the intense flavor of Vaccinium myrtillus or the subtly sweet Vaccinium uliginosum, these tiny berries paint our summer days with shades of blue. Hidden within the dappled shade of the trees, they're nature's secret treats that stain both fingers and lips, and serve as delicious additions to our breakfast and baked goods.
A Glimpse into the Elvish Forest
Caught in a captivating blend of the golden hour and springtime mist, our forest seemed to transform into an elvish realm. In this ethereal light, our bear’s joyful exclamation echoed through the woods, creating a timeless memory of pure magic and whimsical charm.
Freya's Blooming Bounty: The Enchanting Elder Trees
Embrace the ethereal allure of elderflowers and uncover the mystique of the Elder Mother. Let her presence guide your senses as you explore the wonders of this floral delight, and let her wisdom inspire your journey into the realms of nature's abundant beauty.
Anemones: Unveiling the Nordic Forest's Enchanting Flowerbed
In the heart of the Nordic countryside, a magnificent sight unfolds as the landscape transforms into a white flowerbed. Anemones, also known as windflowers, take center stage, captivating all who encounter their delicate beauty. In this post, we embark on a journey to explore the allure of these enchanting blooms and discover why they hold a special place in our hearts.
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