Foraging/Wild Things Archives - Page 2 of 2

Let me share with you the wonderful delights of foraging in the Provencal countryside and the local flora and fauna.

Figues Sauvage! Foraged Figs!

August 16, 2015 by ashleyt 12 Comments

Foraged Figs for Lunch

Now is the time to pick wild figs in Provence. White and violet figs alike are ripe on the wild ‘figuier’ trees that grow anywhere close to water sources here in Provence. I’m always amazed how these resistant (almost invasive) trees can root themselves between rocks and grow 30 feet tall. Last year, I’m assuming due to the abnormal amount of rain we experienced, the fruit on the wild varieties didn’t ripen. This year, there’s an abundance. You may need a ladder to get to the fruits of wild specimens as they can grow quite tall….

Potted Olive Tree Care

July 19, 2015 by ashleyt 11 Comments

Flowering olive trees sold by Pepiniere Cabanelle at Ste Remy de Provence market

Here is a guide on how to take care of that irresistible little olive tree you bought to diversify your garden (if you weren’t traveling by plane that is).

You may look at those little trees and think that ‘Oliviers’ won’t grow where you live- but with the right care, you’ll be surprised.

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The Curious Forager: Wild Leeks and Rocket/Arugula

June 29, 2015 by ashleyt 4 Comments

Foraging in Provence

One of the wonderful things about living in the countryside in Provence is taking advantage of the free food found all over the landscape. Any amateur forager can benefit without putting their lives at risk! (Although my other half gets quite anxious when I’ve come back with a pile of unidentifiable greens).

The flowers and bulbs of wild leeks during the month of June

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Homemade Walnut Wine Recipe

June 22, 2015 by ashleyt 27 Comments

An Apéritif for all Year

The first liquor we made in France was our homemade walnut wine. June 24^th, Saint John’s day, is the traditional day in Provence to pick green walnuts for walnut wine. Yes, it’s a specific day. However, if you manage to find some new walnuts on the ground during the next couple weeks, your walnut wine should turn out just fine! Just tell your neighbour that you picked them on the 24th…

Green Nuts

Depending on where you live the walnuts may or may not be ready. The walnuts must be picked before their hard shell forms within the lime green casing. In any case, it’s quite difficult to go wrong here (even if you do fiddle with the recipe) as this is one of the easiest and most satisfying home liquors to make.

Green Walnuts for Vin de Noix.

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Picking Cherries in France

May 25, 2015 by ashleyt 5 Comments

La Cerise Curieuse: Blunders of Anglo-Saxons picking Cherries in France:

Expats Newly Arrived in Provence

Robin and I worked at a large property 2 years ago. The enormous gardens were abandoned and left to be engulfed by the wild Provençal countryside. The owners informed us that somewhere off the road there was an entire cherry orchard. Apparently, the trees that hadn’t bore fruit for years. In January, we found this mysterious orchard. It was made obvious by some nomadic shepherds who had roped it off as an enclosure for their donkeys. After a couple weeks, the donkeys moved on and we were distraught to see they had eaten all of the tender red bark off the bottom of the trees!! It was doubtfull that in Spring, we would be picking cherries.

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Beignets d’Acacia: Acacia Fritters Recipe

May 6, 2015 by ashleyt 1 Comment

Acacia Flowers

I discovered Acacia flowers during my first Spring in Provence. When I remarked on their incredible smell to a local (they smell like honey) they quickly informed me that I should try making beignets d’acacia, or Acacia Fritters. Deep fried flowers?! I had never heard of that before.

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Elderflower Cordial Recipe

May 5, 2015 by ashleyt 4 Comments

I’ve just returned from our local boulangerie and was elated to find myself on this misty morning surrounded by the distinct perfume of elderflower. I decided to make some homemade elderflower cordial.

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Wild Orchids in Provence

April 10, 2015 by ashleyt Leave a Comment

La Barlie de Robert

At this time of year in Provence, along the roadsides and dotting abandoned orchards, are wild orchids. The last thing I expected whilst foraging in early spring was to find myself hopping and gyrating in an effort not to trod on the abundance of flowers sprouting above the grass. Last year, after witnessing the relay of different varieties turn up in between the weeds; I can say that wild orchids are quite common in Provence.
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Foraging Wild Asparagus in Provence

April 5, 2015 by ashleyt 15 Comments

Foraging for wild asparagus has become one of my favourite springtime activities.

The first time I learned of wild asparagus was one morning during my first year in Provence when I noticed a couple women on the roadside slyly carrying small green bundles. They were peering into the tangle of weeds in the nearby ditch. I knew instantly that there was something I was missing out on.

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Spring in Provence

March 15, 2015 by ashleyt Leave a Comment

First Almond Blossom!

Spring in Provence

Along the roadsides of Provence, the honeyed scent of the almond blossom is the first evidence of spring; many trees still have the withered shells of last year’s nuts clinging to the branches. Violets appear in clusters and the abundant wild rosemary and thyme are flowering and giving scent to the Provencal landscape.

With this new beginning, voila! my first post of this blog Curious Provence. You’ll find here tips on local provencal culture, Provence lifestyle, tips on things to do and where to go, recipes and so much more!

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