Scandi lifestyle expert at Contura, Catharina Björkman, shares her tips for foraging this spring/summer.
“Spring and summer are a wonderful time to forage in local woodlands and forests in the UK. The seasons’ longer, lighter and warmer days provide the ideal foraging backdrop and there’s an abundance of berries, herbs, plants and vegetables that are ripe for the picking.
“There really is nothing more satisfying than gathering your own all-natural ingredients and taking them home to use when cooking up delicious dishes – whether as a core ingredient or a fun garnish.
“For any beginners to foraging this spring/summer, the more familiar ingredient of garlic is a great place to start. Wild garlic tends to grow in shady woodland areas, is relatively easy to identify (you can usually smell it from a distance) and is typically great to forage from March to June. It is an extremely versatile ingredient, whether taking centre stage in a delicious homemade wild garlic pesto or butter, or enhancing the flavour of dishes such as soups, salads, pastas and quiches.
“If you’re wanting to start your foraging journey with something a little sweeter, elderflowers are an ideal choice; elder trees can be found throughout the UK and are ideal for foraging around June time. Be warned, however, that only the flowers and berries are edible and even these are mildly toxic when raw. To make elderflower cordial, for example, boil the elderflower heads and add ingredients such as sugar and lemon juice; the deliciously sweet base will be perfect for making refreshing drinks all summer long.
“If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can branch out (perhaps even quite literally!) and look to forage treasures such as blackberries for jams and tarts, dog rose petals for herbal teas, or even common sorrel, which can be used to add a tasty citrus flavour to a salad.”
“The joys of foraging extend much further than just the tastebuds; it is a great way to boost mental and physical wellbeing too. Taking up foraging is inevitably going to increase the amount of time you spend in the great outdoors and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. According to the Scandinavian philosophy of friluftsliv – literally translated as ‘open-air living’ – this time, spent mindfully connecting with nature, is central to our overall wellbeing.
“Likewise, the increased levels of physical activity associated with foraging and higher amounts of sunlight exposure can stimulate the production of serotonin and endorphins – hormones known for their stress-alleviating and mood-boosting effects – and can lead to improved sleep and heart health.
“Whether you’re foraging for fun or on the hunt for a particular ingredient, always remember the golden rules: respect nature, follow the law, and if you’re in any doubt as to what you are picking or if it is safe to eat, be sure to leave it behind as it could be toxic.”
For more information on Contura, please visit www.contura.eu
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Notes to Editors:
- Rooster will coordinate comment, interview and profile opportunities for Contura UK Country Manager, Phil Wood.
- The Contura PR team will also arrange visits to the nearest Contura Design Centre dealerships or the Contura showroom in Doncaster to see the product range.
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About Contura:
Contura is Europe’s leading manufacturer of wood burning stoves, offering an extensive range of classic and contemporary wood burners; from traditional insert stoves suitable for existing fireplaces, to freestanding statement models made with innovative materials such as soapstone.
Starting at £1,295, Contura stoves are premium yet affordable. Award winning, timeless Swedish design means the products complement or enhance any style of home, whilst also offering outstanding performance, maximum efficiency, practicality and ease of use.
Designed and assembled at the factory located in Markaryd, Sweden, and manufactured to the highest standards, Contura stoves are highly energy efficient, offering powerful convection, superior combustion technology and clean burning systems. All Contura stoves are DEFRA Clean Air Act exempt and thus approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
Contura stoves can be purchased through a network of 165 independent retailers nationwide.
Contura is part of the NIBE group, a Swedish manufacturing company producing world class solutions in sustainable energy across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Contura is a founding member of the Stove Industry Association (SIA) in the UK.
Contura is a proud supporter of Eden Reforestation Projects’ efforts to restore and monitor over 241,150 hectares of land, creating jobs to support local communities and the environment in the long-term. Since 2018, Contura has funded the planting of over 170,000 trees.
For more information please visit www.contura.eu
