The Hub September 2015 | Page 28

Foragers of all ages can learn what to look for and what to avoid Gifts And Clothing From Around the World With A Fair Trade Perspective Tapestries Masks Jewellery Incense Spiritual Accessories such as Singing Bowls Tingshas Hand-carved Buddhas Smudging Supplies 405 Pelissier St. Windsor 519-254-6865 facebook.com/casachavela be exposed to the practice, or are too young to remember, have recently shown a renewed interest. We see groups on the hunt for Mother Nature's gifts, articles describing what to look for and where, and a general interest in getting back to basics in all aspects of our lives. The motivation to live a more simple life is not always the easier way to live. Most of us are lucky to live within a short distance from at least one well stocked grocery store. It's not uncommon to be able to purchase fruit and vegetables from as far away as China or New Zealand, even in the middle of winter. Not only are we able to purchase produce we're familiar with but the bins are often full of exotic offerings one could have previously only come across if travelling the world. So what's the appeal of scouring nearby fields or alleys with basket and knife in hand? "Foraging is free, wild foods are more nutritious and flavourful," says Rashel Tramblay of Locally Germinated, a Tilbury based farmer's cooperative. The flavour and nutrition haven't been sacrificed by long travel times from farm to table and being specially bred to have a long shelf live. Essex County is bursting with free food. A simple walk with eyes attuned to greenery we normally would have passed without a second thought will reveal opportunities for nutrition and natural medicine around every corner. "You can get a handful of wild greens in a postage sized lawn! But the la