Foraging for food has become increasingly fashionable. Not only is it free, but it also allows you to try new flavours that you won’t find on most supermarket shelves. The seaside is a great place to go foraging for food; however, as with any type of foraging, make sure you know what you are picking. A specialist guidebook is handy, or find out whether there are any local guided coastal foraging tours in your area.
Surprisingly, you won’t have to go too far to find edible plants growing by the sea. Some plants are easier to find at either the high or low tide marks, so check the tide times before you head out. Marsh samphire can be found growing by the coast and is a salty, flavoursome vegetable that pairs well with fish. Look out for sea radish, which tastes similar to standard radish and makes a great addition to salads or sushi. If you like spinach, sea beet is commonly found by the coast and makes a tasty alternative. Check out sea arrow grass for a coriander flavour, while fish dishes combine well with the saltiness of sea purslane. Sea lettuce can be used in similar ways to standard lettuce.
Foraging for edible plants at the sea is fun and enlightening; however, some types of plants may be protected species, which makes it important to know what you are allowed to pick. Only take what you need and if you are ever in doubt about a plant’s identity, leave it alone. When foraging, always put safety first, especially if you are picking plants close to cliff edges. Make sure you don’t get cut off by the tide or trapped in quick sand – the golden rule is always to check the tide times before any seaside foraging expedition.
