This Week's Woodland Grocery Specials

  END OF SEASON SPECIAL!The turtles have started nesting, indicating that the season for shoots is over and the season for fruits is beginning. If you look, you might still be able to find a few late stalks of asparagus. But, more importantly, the female plants are very visible right now. So use this opportunity to map out your asparagus route for next year.       Harvest grape leaves when they get large, but while they are still young and tender. It is fairly easy to find a large number of optimal leaves right now. You can take advantage of this bounty by making a huge batch of stuffed grape leaves and freezing them for easy microwave meals. Grape tendrils are also delicious. Use them as a lemony addition to salads, stir fry, or rice dishes.      Mallow is a common, but often overlooked, plant found around farms, lawns, and parks. Leaves, flowers, and fruits are good additions to your salad mix. Beware if you are harvesting in a public park. The places mallow likes to grow also tends to be in areas where dogs like to do their business.    Dry and powder sassafras leaves to make file. A spice and thickener traditionally used in gumbo, file powder can be used to thicken all types of soups, stews, and gravy. Bark from small twigs can also be ground and used in cooking or for teas.   Want to learn more about wild foods? Check out our Upcoming Classes.