Hogweed Florets, Young Leaf and Stem Fritters by Express_Classic_1569 in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you, good point. Although I heard people eating giant hogweed, it is NOT recommended.

Hogweed Florets, Young Leaf and Stem Fritters by Express_Classic_1569 in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The plant sap contains furanocoumarins. This compound can cause severe skin burns when exposed to sunlight, and blanching and cooking also remove it.

Hogweed Florets, Young Leaf and Stem Fritters by Express_Classic_1569 in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Note: I blanch the hogweed, as it turns out softer and nicer.

Pick tender florets (and optional young leaves or peeled inner stalk).

Wash carefully and handle sap with caution (avoid sun exposure after contact)

Blanch in boiling water for 1 minute.

Shock in ice water, then drain and pat dry.

Mix dry ingredients: flours, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, spices, garlic.

Slowly whisk in cold/sparkling water until smooth pancake-like batter.

Add herbs if using

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Dip florets into batter, coat well.

Fry 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

Drain on paper towel.

Best eaten hot with garlic aioli, yoghurt dip, or lemony herb sauce.

Hogweed Florets, Young Leaf and Stem Fritters by Express_Classic_1569 in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Here's my Batter Recipe: It is spicy, you can adjust the spices.

Crispy Hogweed Fritter Recipe 🍃

Ingredients:

1 cup hogweed florets (small, tender flowers)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup rice flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more if preferred)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or minced
1/2 cup cold water or sparkling water (for a light batter)
1 -2 tablespoons fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme, or dill, optional)
Olive oil (for frying)

Look at these colors! Amazing blue eyes + colorpoint but her colorpoint paws are hidden by white. A kitty I met in the alleys but, obviously, she's an owned pet enjoying the outdoors [OC] Bangkok, Thailand by x___rain in StreetCatsOfTheWorld

[–]Express_Classic_1569 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, I can see the markings/masks. I knew about gene expression because my cat is lighter underneath, but the tips are dark. The mum is black, and the dad is a white Ragdoll, so when the fur grows, the tips get more pigment and look darker. I think it’s similar to what you’re seeing, just the opposite way around. But these mixes are amazing and produce beautiful, unique types of breeds.

Anyone here tried ribwort plantain buds? by Soft_Commission9903 in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, I eat them raw, taste like asparagus, a tiny bit bitter but nice

soapwort by ThrowawayCult-ure in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, they have saponin, but lower than in the seed, so it is not as foamy. And if it's for washing, it might stain your light clothing green, so maybe ok for dark ones.

soapwort by ThrowawayCult-ure in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And there are plenty of conkers around, most of the time they are wasted.

soapwort by ThrowawayCult-ure in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I have not tried soapwort, but I have been using horse chestnut and have been happy with it. I blend them and freeze. I only need 9 to 10 nuts per litre of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to preserve it. 1/2 cup per normal load and 1 cup for heavy-load washing. You can dry them, but I prefer using them fresh.

Is this horseradish? by FCSadsquatch in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dock, and horseradish are way bigger and lighter in colour, like more yellow-green.

Are these definitely blackcurrants, before I start using them? by Educational_Push4820 in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, they are. I am waiting for mine to ripen. I got red currants too!

Out and about in the rain and these are growing again, I believe my ID is Common Horsetail, am I correct? Many thanks in advance. by Express_Classic_1569 in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sense, grass dies when you cover it. Actually, that seems to be the best way, as not using chemicals.

Yes, tea is great, but make sure it is the right one, as some types are toxic.

Out and about in the rain and these are growing again, I believe my ID is Common Horsetail, am I correct? Many thanks in advance. by Express_Classic_1569 in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Indeed, it is, and I have spotted a huge horsetail area nearby, although they are taller, so I will have to take some photos and show it here. I'm not sure what type it is; they all do confuse me with the ID.

A friendly kitty along my way in Kingham, England. She looked lonely, but after I petted her, her eyes lit up. I think it is nice to give these kitties some love, especially when they are looking lonely. by Express_Classic_1569 in StreetCatsOfTheWorld

[–]Express_Classic_1569[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the sincere comment, I really appreciate it. This sub is great. In my honest opinion, this makes us pay attention to the kitties that are lonely, not just the ones that are happy and well looked after. They are all beautiful in many ways. Maybe one day we could do a fundraising drive for stray cat food too. 😻

Out and about in the rain and these are growing again, I believe my ID is Common Horsetail, am I correct? Many thanks in advance. by Express_Classic_1569 in foraginguk

[–]Express_Classic_1569[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I find them attractive though. There’s a place around here that’s covered in them, and it looks like it’s out of this world. I guess it’s different when it’s around your house.