Imogen you have reminded me that my Gran used to say to poke a hole in the eggshell so a witch couldn't use it. I have not thought of that since I was a little girl!
Oh Lara it always makes me smile to hear memories that prove that folklore was (and is) a living tradition. Isn’t that wonderful? Did your Gran live close to the sea I wonder? Thank you for your kind words too x
Oh that’s not so far … certainly close enough for sea related folklore to reach, I should have thought! It’s really interesting and I love that you remember and may even decide to pass it on to Ivy one day X
I’m going to try the Gypsy spinach! (Vegan version) We had nettles in our curry this evening, very delicious. Thank you for another lovely edition of Bracken and Wrack. You write so well.
Ohh nettles in curry is something I would never have thought of, Sally-Ann. Thank you for the inspiration! I hope you enjoy the Gypsy Spinach if you try it. And, thank you for your encouraging words! X
Thank you Elizabeth. I’m so glad you enjoyed the folklore! As a child I saw the film ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ - I loved the actual book ‘The Magic Bedknob’ more, I think - but somehow had forgotten the nettles! I’m sure that what we would now call foraged foods must have played a significant role in wartime diets and, as you say, they would have had great nutritional benefits. Here, there are nettles everywhere but the trick is in finding a source where you feel confident that they’re not polluted. My garden is one such place, of course :-)
The folklore is so interesting. You know I can always find so many nuggets in your writing that can start a conversation or a trip down the rabbit hole. As for Gypsy Spinach, (not out yet where I am) I am reminded of my own journey with this as one of my first plant allies. I have only ever dried it for tea but watching Bedknobs and Broomsticks as an adult I noticed Angela Lansbury’s character feeds her young charges steamed nettles, which is such a nutritious free wild food - and in the movie’s setting, a much appreciated supplement to wartime rations.
Thank you so much for this!
Thank you Elisabeth, I’m glad you enjoyed this spring patchwork!
Imogen you have reminded me that my Gran used to say to poke a hole in the eggshell so a witch couldn't use it. I have not thought of that since I was a little girl!
Lovely writing as always, thank you x
Oh Lara it always makes me smile to hear memories that prove that folklore was (and is) a living tradition. Isn’t that wonderful? Did your Gran live close to the sea I wonder? Thank you for your kind words too x
She lived not far from here so about 20 miles from the sea as the crow flies.
Oh that’s not so far … certainly close enough for sea related folklore to reach, I should have thought! It’s really interesting and I love that you remember and may even decide to pass it on to Ivy one day X
we always did that as kids, but I never knew why! How interesting. thanks Imogen
How lovely to hear this lore confirmed! Thank you Sue.
I’m going to try the Gypsy spinach! (Vegan version) We had nettles in our curry this evening, very delicious. Thank you for another lovely edition of Bracken and Wrack. You write so well.
Ohh nettles in curry is something I would never have thought of, Sally-Ann. Thank you for the inspiration! I hope you enjoy the Gypsy Spinach if you try it. And, thank you for your encouraging words! X
Thank you Elizabeth. I’m so glad you enjoyed the folklore! As a child I saw the film ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ - I loved the actual book ‘The Magic Bedknob’ more, I think - but somehow had forgotten the nettles! I’m sure that what we would now call foraged foods must have played a significant role in wartime diets and, as you say, they would have had great nutritional benefits. Here, there are nettles everywhere but the trick is in finding a source where you feel confident that they’re not polluted. My garden is one such place, of course :-)
The folklore is so interesting. You know I can always find so many nuggets in your writing that can start a conversation or a trip down the rabbit hole. As for Gypsy Spinach, (not out yet where I am) I am reminded of my own journey with this as one of my first plant allies. I have only ever dried it for tea but watching Bedknobs and Broomsticks as an adult I noticed Angela Lansbury’s character feeds her young charges steamed nettles, which is such a nutritious free wild food - and in the movie’s setting, a much appreciated supplement to wartime rations.
Thank you for sharing your spring meandering.