Urban Foraging

Hi Friends!

We have been watching old Hugh in the River Cottage series for a while now. Quite enjoyable indeed, although his puns are atrocious. What has been most inspiring though is his Urban Foraging.  Because we have no garden it is of particular interest, fresh herbs and vegetables can never be a bad thing. We have since been on a quest of our own. Romping around Newcastle having a sneaky peek here and there. We have been quite successful so far, mind you we have found the Sandhills community gardens that have a most marvellous collection of herbs, fruit, greenary and vegetables. They do not go by a plot system which is also handy because the whole community is then welcome to take a little as they need. Working Bees are held the first Sunday of every month so we can give back and keep the garden going. 

Here are some Urban Foraging super spots

The Secret Tomaty Vine:

While Sandhills tomatoes are still green this beautiful cherry tomato tree is red as a Ruby. Situated in the park across from Nobby's (maybe a stray seed flown over from the community gardens) it is calling to you and singing songs of a Sunday brunch with pan-fried cherry tomatoes in mint and parsley.

  More sneaky spots for you to scour include a roadside rosemary bush on Nobby's Road on the town side of Fort Scratchly. It's a huge sprawling bush with fragrant rosemary that sure beats the the dried old sticks at Woolies. On the way back from the beach James pulls over and I leap out like a bandit and pick enough for some Potato Salad made with the rosemary, caramelised onions, spring onions, mint, parsley, capers, salt and pepper covered with a dressing of an egg yolk emulsified with olive oil then finished with a dash of lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey and whole grain mustard.

A crunchy, spicy radish salvaged from SandHills Community Gardens

The Zucchini bush at SandHills is at its spring best, with beautiful flowers that we've been stuffing with ricotta and herbs or simply deep frying with a basic batter and adding to salads. 

  Another spot (in case you can't be bothered to head down to what seems to be the windiest place in Newcastle (Sandhills)) is a cluster of herb bushes- basil, parsley, mint- right above the Gardens on Shepherd's Place right next to the Coen's Building.

More from Sandhills with these gorgeous 'Baby Thai Eggplants' soon ready for a curry or a stir fry.

  Also head down to the 'Bogey Hole' and along the coast to find Samphire seaweed, an excellent addition to salads.
 For things like herbs, kaffir lime leaves, edible flowers, nasturtiums, lettuce, spinach, occasional mulberries and strawberries the sandhill is a great place to start and the working bees also teach you quite a lot.

Let us know of any other great spots (and if you happen to see a lemon myrtle tree) and we shall have another update soon.