Spring Foraging: Wild Garlic Pesto

Spring brings with it the opportunity to forage for one of nature's most delightful treasures: wild garlic. Commonly found in woodlands, along riverbanks, and in shaded areas, wild garlic carpets the ground with its vibrant green leaves and delicate white flowers. Typically available from early spring, wild garlic is at its best when the leaves are young and tender, making it the perfect time to gather this fragrant herb.

When foraging for wild garlic, it's essential to follow a few simple rules. Firstly, ensure you have permission to forage in the area you're exploring, whether it's public land or private property. Always leave plenty behind to ensure the sustainability of the plant and its ecosystem. Secondly, be sure to correctly identify wild garlic and avoid confusion with similar-looking plants like Lily of the Valley or lords-and-ladies, which are toxic if ingested. You can identify by gently rubbing the leaves and smelling, if there is a smell of garlic you know you've found the right stuff!

Once you've gathered your wild garlic, why not turn it into a delicious wild garlic pesto? With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful condiment that's perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip for crusty bread. Simply follow the recipe below:

Wild Garlic Pesto Recipe

What you'll need:

40g wild garlic leaves, washed and stalks removed
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
60g pine nuts
60g Parmesan, grated
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon juice, to taste

Start by giving your foraged leaves a good clean and then pat dry.
Add a teaspoon of sea salt flakes into a pestle and mortar.
Add the wild garlic leaves and bash until they have broken down, aided by the salt.
Add the pine nuts and continue to bash until crushed.
Gradually add the olive oil and bash until a smooth consistency is achieved.
Mix in the grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and black pepper until well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking!

Now that you've made your wild garlic pesto, the culinary possibilities are endless. Use it as a sauce for pasta, spread it on crusty bread, or mix it into soups and salads for an extra burst of flavour. The fresh, garlicky taste of wild garlic pesto is sure to elevate any dish it accompanies.

Pesto Recipe Ideas:

Pesto Pasta (a classic!)

Pesto Bruschetta
Pea, Brocolli & Pesto Ravioli

Creamy Pesto Butterbeans

Hassleback Chicken with Pesto & Mozzarella

As you embark on your foraging adventures, be sure to bring along one of our durable and stylish bags. With ample space for your foraged treasures and sturdy construction to withstand outdoor excursions, our bags are the perfect companion for your next wild garlic gathering expedition. So grab your bag, head outdoors, and let the wild garlic season inspire your culinary creativity!