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.
A secret giant-blackberry-yielding bramble
Discover the extraordinary blackberry bramble that has us all saying "Wow!" Nestled near a tranquil stream and dappled in sunlight, this bush yields berries like no other—plump, juicy, and twice the size you'd expect.
Foraging Elderberries: A Tribute to Our Favorite Giving Tree
In the depths of autumn, our family eagerly anticipates the ritual of elderberry picking—a practice steeped in both lore and flavor. These bountiful berries not only offer their unique, complex flavor to our table but also fulfill a promise made to the Elder Mother in spring. In return, our children relish the coziness of cold autumn days, brightened by steaming mugs of elderberry juice and the rich aroma of elderberry-laced winter stews.
The wrinkled and illegal Nordic-japanese Rose
The Nordic-Japanese rugged rose is a fragrant beauty that dominates the Scandinavian landscape. But bring it inside, and you'll find its petals quickly fall away, as if the flower insists on belonging solely to the wild. The fruits on the other hand..
Cooking Blackberry Jam the Scandinavian Way
Dive into the world of Scandinavian jam-making with our blog post on crafting the perfect blackberry jam—or should we say, brombærmarmelade? We explore the linguistic and cultural nuances between jams, marmalades, and jellies, offering not one, but two recipes for this delicious preserve. Whether you're a purist looking for a simple fruit-and-sugar blend or a culinary adventurer seeking to fine-tune consistency and flavor, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on this seasonal delight!
Picking “Bear-berries” Björnbär Blackberry
In the Nordic woods, blackberries, known as 'Bear Berries', beckon both humans and wildlife closer with their dark, sweet allure. The resilient blackberries, bristling with thorns yet offering sweet rewards, paint a portrait of late summer and autumn days filled with gathering, preserving, and savoring the wild bounty of the land.
The Lovable Enigma of Cherry Plums
In the late summer turning to autumn, our woodland orchards bursts into life with the bounty of cherry plums - a gift from our much-loved Prunus cerasifera trees. These small, juicy fruits, as irresistible to us as they are to our kids, Ronia and Bear, embody the seasonal shift in all its generosity.
Wild Raspberry Jam
Embrace the simple pleasure of homemade raspberry jam with our delightfully uncomplicated recipe. Made with just raspberries and sugar, our slightly runny jam captures the pure essence of summer berries. Enjoy it hot and fresh over buttered buns, or add a dollop to pies, cakes, or ice cream. A luscious and versatile treat that will surely brighten your day!
Wild Blueberry Muffins
In our homestead, baking blueberry muffins is more of a joyful dance in the kitchen than following a strict recipe. Inspired by a surprise visit from some French travellers, we're sharing our recipe with you. The freshly picked blueberries, a handful of nuts, perhaps a dash of caramel - all are added until the mix just feels right. The end result? Delicious, warm muffins that are a bit of a delightful mess to extract from the pan. Each one is a unique, flavorful joy just waiting to be savored.
The Changing Seasons: A Raspberry Tale
Embrace the changing seasons with wild raspberry foraging, and savor the fleeting sweetness of these delicate fruits. Journey with us as we transform our fresh harvest into aromatic cordials and jams.
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.
Cherry Jubilee: A Foraging Adventure & The Joy of Sharing
Awaiting the ripening of our homegrown cherries, both sweet and slightly sour, we commenced a race against our avian friends to pluck them from their towering branches. After feasting and packing jars of our bounty, we set out on a sun-drenched journey to share the fruits of our labour with our distant neighbours.. Despite our mission of giving, we returned home richer, with hands filled with cherries from an unexpected find on our way home.
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