August: What to Forage Now + Quick Kitchen Ideas

Beginner-friendly to forage now

“Ripe blackberries on canes, deep purple-black.”
Blackberries
  • Ripe fruit are deep purple/black and release easily.
  • Avoid red or firm berries.
Learn More
Elederberries
Elderberries
  • Pick clusters only when fully dark-purple.
  • Always cook before eating.
Learn More
Plantain (Plantago)
  • Young, clean leaves for salads/tea.
  • Pick away from paths.
Learn More
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle
  • Best is young regrowth after mowing.
  • Wear gloves for the stinging.
Learn More

Quick kitchen ideas

“Blackberry yogurt pops on a ceramic plate with fresh blackberries — simple, seasonal frozen yogurt recipe.”

Blackberry Yogurt Pops

(3 ingredients) – kid-approved summer treat.

chia jam

10-minute chia jam

300 g blackberries + 2 tbsp honey + 2 tbsp chia; simmer 5 min, cool.

Iced Nettle Tea

Iced nettle tea

brew, cool, add lemon slice; naturally mineral-rich and gentle.

Simple herbal projects

  • Calendula oil (still blooming): petals + mild oil, infuse 2–4 weeks on a sunny windowsill.

  • Plantain vinegar: chopped leaves + apple cider vinegar (1–2 weeks) → soothing “after-bite.”

  • Elderberry syrup (batch now for autumn): simmer berries, strain, sweeten to taste.

Market & garden (in season now)

  • Veg: courgette/zucchini, tomatoes, green beans, cucumber, leafy salads.

  • Fruit: blackberries, blueberries, plums; early apples and pears begin.

With kids

  • “3-colour blackberries”: let them spot red → purple → black stages.

  • Popsicle station: yoghurt + blackberry purée + honey; they pour the moulds.

Safety & etiquette

  • Be 100% sure of the ID; when in doubt, don’t pick.

  • Avoid busy roadsides, dog-walking strips, and sprayed field edges.

  • Wash everything; elderberries must be cooked.

  • Forage lightly; leave plenty for wildlife and others.

Looking ahead to next month

  • More elderberries, apples/pears in full swing, rosehips coming up.

Useful links

Share the Post:
Scroll to Top