From trees, flowers, asters, to berries and meat, we are guided through Bowen's natural buffet. Meat, you ask? Emily van Lidth de Jeude has spent her whole life collecting information on wild food on the island and suggests a recipe for local slugs, but never for the poisonous black arion variety. The rest of her guided tour focuses on edible plants: how to identify them and where they like to grow. She describes some natural remedies and a few traditional native uses, such as vitamin C, antiseptics, diuretics. Nature has so much to offer. A few children play while we slowly walk through the woods, stopping to explore and study. What was once a visual backdrop of varying shades of green has now become a system of individual ingredients.
Reflecting upon my woven basket lined with leafy specimens for research, trial and further harvest, I feel connected to our surroundings. Later, I sprinkle my dinner with nutrient-packed petals and greens and I am reminded that we are all a part of the ecosystem. Contact Emily [email protected] more information on her casual and informative tours. $20 per adult.
GINGER ERSKINE
special to the Undercurrent
