Hello, fellow nature enthusiasts and foodies! Today, we're going on a wild adventure to explore the amazing world of foraging wild garlic. I'll be sharing all you need to know, from when and how to pick wild garlic, to some scrumptious recipes that make the most of this flavorful plant. Plus, I'll be revealing the best spots in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan where you can find this pungent green delight. So, let's get started!
When to Pick Wild Garlic?
The best time to go foraging wild garlic is during spring, when the leaves are young and tender. Generally, you'll find them sprouting between March and May. Make sure you harvest before the plant flowers, as the leaves can become bitter once the flowers appear.
How to Pick Wild Garlic
When foraging wild garlic, always be responsible and respectful of the environment. To ensure the plant continues to grow and thrive, follow these simple tips:
Only pick leaves from healthy, abundant patches of wild garlic.
Take just one or two leaves from each plant.
Use a clean pair of scissors to snip the leaves close to their base.
Remember, it's essential to be 100% sure you've identified wild garlic correctly before you consume it. Look for long, pointed leaves that smell strongly of garlic.
Wild Garlic Pesto Recipe
Now that you know when and how to pick wild garlic, let's dive into a delicious wild garlic pesto recipe that you can whip up in no time!
Ingredients:
100g wild garlic leaves, washed and roughly chopped
50g Parmesan cheese, grated
50g pine nuts, toasted
1 garlic clove, crushed
150ml extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place the wild garlic leaves, Parmesan, pine nuts, and crushed garlic in a food processor.
Blend until finely chopped, gradually adding the olive oil as you blend.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Can You Freeze Wild Garlic Pesto and Leaves?
Absolutely! Wild garlic pesto can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. To freeze wild garlic leaves, simply wash, dry, and store them in a ziplock bag. They'll maintain their flavor and texture for up to six months.
Gnocchi and Wild Garlic Recipe
This mouthwatering gnocchi and wild garlic dish is the perfect way to showcase your foraged leaves.
Ingredients:
500g fresh gnocchi
100g wild garlic leaves, washed and roughly chopped
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, then drain.
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the wild garlic leaves and cook for another minute.
Add the cooked gnocchi, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
Serve hot, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Where to Pick Wild Garlic in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
Ready to embark on your wild garlic foraging adventure? Here's a list of top spots in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan where you can find this flavorful plant:
Dinas Powys - George's Woods
St Athans - East Orchard Castle
St Lythans - Goldslands Woods & Coed Nant Bran
Cardiff- Taff trail Penarth - Alexandra Park
St Fagans - Plymouth woods
Tongwynlais - Fforest Fawr
Barry - Pencoetre woods
St Hilary's - Bluebell woods
Penarth - Victoria Park
And there you have it, friends! We've explored the ins and outs of foraging for wild garlic, learned how to whip up some delicious recipes, and discovered the best spots in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to find this aromatic treasure. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab a pair of scissors, and head out on your wild garlic adventure. Remember to be respectful of nature and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a meal with ingredients you've foraged yourself. Have fun, and happy foraging!