THE ABUNDANT HEDGEROW
Cool mornings, a wisp of chimney smoke across the countryside and the rich smell of rainy woodlands – there’s an undeniable hint that autumn has arrived on our misty island. We might try to eke out every moment of British summer with a last minute BBQ or one more picnic on the beach, but we certainly have a woolly jumper stuffed in the rucksack and an umbrella at the bottom of the footwell. We are well into September and couldn’t be happier.
Britain is a picture of abundance this time of year. Country lanes cut through brambles, elderberry, apple trees, rosehips, cobnuts, plums, damsons, and sloes. We hardly notice as we rush past but an afternoon spent foraging would fill your tubs and baskets to the brim with tart treats perfect for jams, preserves or this Blackberry & Plum Tart.
However, if balancing on the roadside to collect one fruit at a time sounds a bit too thrilling don’t worry. The E&O team has found a way to enjoy this abundance with very little risk to life and limb!
Roughway Farm in Kent has a long history of farming British fruits and nuts, such as Cobnuts, Greengages, Cherries and fresh British Plums. They also have a long list of awards and accolades reflecting the wonderful work they are doing to produce British fruits whilst caring for the planet. We are especially impressed with their goal to achieve water self-sufficiency by sourcing the majority of their water from natural run off. This noble project helps makes their produce all the more delicious.
We would be remiss if we didn’t turn to the drinks cabinet this time of year. Something soothing by the fire is much needed as the afternoons grow darker. Perhaps an alternative to alcohol will lighten the spirit. Nonsuch is an ingenious producer in Suffolk creating Shrubs, an ancient liquid that not only tastes delicious but promises many health benefits as well. We are quite taken with the Wild Hedgerow and Rose and the Sour Cherry and Garden Mint syrups.
In the UK we have around 500,000 miles of Hedgerows, the earliest of these date back to the Bronze Age. We don’t have to go far to enjoy the magic of Britain’s wild berries, fruits and nuts as our ancestors have done. and as the Autumn equinox draws nearer we will definitely eat as many as we can stuff in our pocket. However, after September 29th we might want to hold back.
There is and ancient story that after Michaelmas, the Devil spits on the blackberries. It has something to do with the Archangel Michael defeating Lucifer who then landed in a blackberry bush. it’s probably nothing but you might want to keep it in mind and eat as many as you can now, before it’s too late!
Grab your woollens and your wellies, This season passes quickly and we don’t want to miss one moment.
