Whether gardening is a summer ritual or your first edible venture, here are 10 seasonal stables we never fare without.
1. Sweet & Savory | Mint & Thyme
These herbs are a must! They can be used in dishes on all ends of the flavor spectrum. We like to call this the "cocktail corner" of the garden - gin fizz, sangria, Moscow mules - you name it! Feeling creative - try your hand at ice cream or savory meat dishes!
2. Summer Spores | Mushroom Musts
A foraging foodie's fantasy! We are VIP members of the mushroom fan club, One of the oldest foods known to man and a foundation for medicinal healing. These friendly fungi can be found all over the place and thrive in the backwoods.
Not confidant in your spore spotting skills? (Don't worry, we aren't either) Check out @nhmushroomcompany for tips and tours.
3. Stemmed Stunners | Staghorn Sumac
Not to be confused with poison sumac - don't eat that! Once you have positively identified this plant you will start to notice it everywhere! It grows wild and rampant across New England in the summer time and can be harvested into early fall. It's full of antioxidants and Vitamin C. Check out our recipe for Sumac Lemonade!
4. Purple Peddles | Lavender Lovin'
A happenin' herb in hipster horticulture. Confession - I've murdered a few lavender plants over the years.... it really is super easy to grow though - infrequent watering, full sun and well-drained soil is all it needs.
Lavender is SO pretty just to look at or it can be steeped in teas, added to boozy bevs, sprinkled as a garnish, or used for it's lovely aromatics in soaps and oils.
5. Keep Calm | Chives On
...See what we did there? A perennial and persistent member of the onion family. Very low maintenance and will keep on keepin' on summer after summer. Add 'em to EVERYTHING - cream cheese, cottage cheese, cheese cheese, eggs, soups, salads, side dishes, dressings, garnishes - even the blossoms are edible!
6. Rustic Staple | Rosemary Returns
An ancient symbol of love and loss. The herb of our ancestors used in celebration, mourning and medicine. A necessary flavor component to any meat and fish dish. This herb has been speculated to improve memory and help you sleep.
7. Sinful & Supple | Stages of Sage
Wither witchcraft or Thanksgiving stuffing is your jam, this soft and supple herb is a powerhouse of possibilities. Its' uses extend beyond the garden and into your soul - burn it to release negative energy and absorb its' positivity.
8. Lotions & Potions | Balms the Bomb
A lemon scented cousin of mint used in teas and tinctures. Simply soak in lemonade or steep in a pot of tea. Benefits include stress and anxiety reduction, aids in digestion, relieves nausea and can help you fall asleep. Also a great mosquito repellent!
9. Wandering Weeds | Dandelion Delights
Some say it's a weed, we say it's a wonder! The flowers, stems and leaves are all edible so pick and eat 'em raw in a salad or steam into a soup, coffee or tea. A sustainable substitute right in your own backyard.
10. Husks of Happiness | Ground Cherries
Ah, the masked fruit of many names - husked tomatoes, ground cherries, gooseberries, sweet tomatillos, poha berries... call them what you will, we call them delicious! Sweet and earthy flavors you'll have to fight the critters off for. Pop the peel then pop into your mouth. The perfect snack for a gardener-on-the-go.