This sprawling estate is loaded with varied habitats chock full of wild plants, a great place for mid-spring foraging.
As soon as we get started, we'll dig up some tremendous burdock roots growing near the museum. These nutritious roots a staple in east Asian cuisine, taste like a combination of potatoes and artichokes.
Burdock Root
These 3 tricks make this otherwise uncooperative root easy to harvest:
1. Look for this massive taproot growing on soft soil free of rocks.
2. Dig it up using a shovel.
3. Collect after rain has softened the soil.
Close by we'll find large stands of lamb's-quarters, a tasty, highly nutritious relative of spinach and beets. Strip off the leaves and use them like spinach.
The 2-hour tour begins at 1 PM, Saturday, May 29, at 80 Whitehall Rd. in Litchfield, CT. The fee is $15 for nonmembers, $10 for members, and $5 for children under 12.
Call (860) 567-0857 at least 24 hours ahead sign up.