THINK of Ascot and Wimbledon and immediately strawberries spring to mind. Bowls of these delicious fruit topped with cream, (here in Cornwall the wonderful clotted variety), have a hedonistic, almost luxurious appeal, indeed some of the prices you have to pay put them in the luxury bracket. Perhaps it's because of their limited availability or just their visual appeal, but these fruit more than any other are regarded as the elite amongst all the dowdy rest.

The strawberries we grow in our gardens and buy from the local greengrocers are not related in any way to the tiny wild ones dotting the lanes and railway lines at the moment. These miniature fruits, the largest no bigger than the average thumbnail, are superior in every way to the bought variety. They taste sweet and juicy, look delicately pretty and when you find a decent patch in the wild you will find you will be unable to stop yourself from eating at least half of your find. Birds love them, slugs adore them, and humans relish them. They need no sugar to sweeten them and the taste easily kicks the cultivated type into second place. 

Last week I found a patch no bigger than the average dining table and collected a good pound in weight. Not a great deal you might think, but bear in mind the size of these fruits and you will realise how highly I prize them. That same patch will continue to yield a similar amount every two days for the next three of four weeks, without having to strip the plants, and always leaving enough for the local wild­life.

Hedgerow Harvest

By Jennifer Green

June/July

Coming up soon: Thistles.

Strawberries were cultivated by the Romans, though we in Britain didn't start until much later, about four hundred years ago, and probably then by accident. The leaves, roots and berries have many uses, though the fruits themselves are best eaten just as they are. They can also be used to accompany savoury dishes such as duck, made into wine, jams, sliced into summer drinks, and pulped for face packs, though it takes some dedication to collect any reasonable amount from the wild. There is even an alcoholic drink made from the berries which is very sweet and smells heavenly, indeed half of this fruits appeal is in its aroma which more than anything reminds one of long hot summer days. I have known people overdose on the berries giving themselves an allergic reaction which resulted in a quite severe rash, my mother did this to herself every summer for years.  

The roots of strawberries, prepared correctly are said to be good for diarrhoea and kidney disorders, helping to cleanse the body of uric acid. This infusion will also relieve the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. A drink made using the leaves is reputedly beneficial for 'ladies disorders' and makes a good gargle for sore throats, mouth sores and gum ulcers. The roots and leaves infused together apparently eases bronchitis. 

In the past the fruits have been used in the treatment of gout, for reducing blood pressure and used to lessen the pain of an upset tummy - though if you could have seen my mum after one of her binges, you might find this hard to believe. 

Remember the health of the hedgerow is in our hands. Only take what is in abundance and never over pick plants. Only eat what you are absolutely sure about, a good reference book will come in handy. Never dig up plants to transfer to your own garden, not only is it against the law, it is morally wrong. Do not pick plants which are endangered or are rare, again a reference book will point these out. And lastly, if you pick to eat, watch where you collect from. Remember someone may have passed that way earlier with their dear little pooch.

©Jennifer Green.