Page 143 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Black Currant, Ribes

americanum (GROSSULARIACEAE)

BLACK CURRANT is a deciduous shrub that occurs in
beech-maple forests, swamps, marshes, and along wa-
terways shores. Stems are smooth, without any prickles
Nadiatalent, CC-BY-SA-3.0
or thorns, and may grow up to 5 ft. (1.5m).
FLOWER AND FRUIT: Bell-shaped, creamy-white blos-
soms hang downwards in clusters of 2-7 flowers along
the branches. Berries are 0.4 inches (1cm) across and
contain 10-15 seeds each. Their skins are striped with
faint yellow glands. In summer, berries become crim-
son and finally black when ready to release their seeds. Matt Lavin, CC-BY-SA-2.0
LEAF: Leaves may have 3 or 5 primary lobes, with plump when squeezed, and may turn an even dark-
coarsely serrated edges. Pronounced veins radiate from er color when ripe. Berries can be eaten fresh, while
the leaf’s heart-shaped base. Each leaf is about 1-2.5 slightly under-ripe ones are better for making jams
inches (2-6cm) long and 1-2 inches (2-5cm) wide. and jellies.
EDIBLE PARTS: fruit BLACKCURRANT INFUSED GIN: Pour fresh black-
KEY MEDICINAL USES: Bark can be applied externally currants up to the midway point of a mason jar. And
to treat swellings. Roots have been used to treat kidney ⅔ cup maple syrup, 1 tsp. lemon juice, 16 oz. (470ml)
illness and expel worms. gin, and 1 rosemary sprig. Let infuse for at least 24
hrs. Strain out the berries and enjoy.
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Fruit gradually ripens
over a 4-6-week period starting in June. Fruit skins will POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: Buckthorns, Rhamnus
be tight when ready to harvest. They should be firm and cathartica

Black Haw, Viburnum
prunifolium (ADOXACEAE)

BLACK HAW is a small spreading tree that grows up
to 10-15 ft. (3-5cm), preferring sunny woodland areas.
Young plants have red or green slender stems. Mature
Katja Schulz, CC BY 2.0
plants’ bark is scaly and reddish-brown.
FLOWER AND FRUIT: 0.4 inches (1cm) wide white
flowers occur in flat-topped lacey clusters between April
and May. Elliptical fruits are 0.4 inches (1cm) across,
bluish-black with a waxy bloom, and mature in autumn.
They persist into the winter.
LEAF: Dark green leaves are 2.5-4 inches (7-10cm) long Vojtěch Zavadil, CC-BY-SA-3.0
and alternate. They have toothed edges and pointed tips. SAVOURY-SWEET BLACKHAW BANNOCK: Add 3
In autumn, foliage turns crimson. cups flour, 2 tbsp. baking powder, ½ tsp. salt. Add ½
EDIBLE PARTS: fruit, bark cup oil, 1.5 cups water, 1 cup pitted black haw fruits,
½ cup grated cheese, ¼ cup fresh herbs. Mix well.
KEY MEDICINAL USES: It has antispasmodic, anti-in-
flammatory, and nervine properties. Place balls of dough in greased tin foil squares. Fold
over to form an envelope. Bake in hot coals for 15 min.
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Plant may ripen as ear-
ly as late summer; the fruit becomes sweet only after it WARNING: Consuming very large quantities of
has been touched by frost. It is easiest to locate during the fruit can cause nausea, dizziness, seizures, and
slowed pulse. Do not eat black haw fruits if you are
spring, when their white flower clusters are in full bloom,
and to note their location. Fruits will last 1-2 weeks in pregnant.
the fridge. Black haws are delicious raw, or made into POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: Buckthorn, Rhamnus
full-bodied jams and jellies. cathartica
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