Anyone for dock pudding? (25 days to go…)
by Max Akroyd
I’ve not even started yet and it’s apparent this subsistence thing is like crossing a big, hungry river on wobbly stepping stones.
I’m sure it’s all the same flow in reality, but it helps my brain to organise edibles into conventional categories of animals, vegetables, fruit and wild foods. The organisation – chronologically and otherwise – of the first three things has been an obsession of this blog over the last couple of years: when to sow seed to get cabbage in June and that sort of thing. And, as the ultimatum draws closer, the animals become less and less like pets and more and more like starvation insurance. (I found myself seriously contemplating eating a goat today, but she had broken her tether again).
But even more profoundly peasanty is deciphering the back-story that is the hedgerow harvest. Could there be an unbroken, three-season narrative to uncover, starting with the wild garlic and ending with wild mushrooms? I’ve already discovered that the main attraction of this food sauvage is to take the pressure off the cultivated stock. Poignant when your peas are piddling and your first potatoes paltry.
But, after being plundered these last six weeks, the wild garlic is now looking a bit glum and the nettles… well, despite several attempts, I’m still waiting for the right recipe. So, what’s the next dish on nature’s menu? The elder is about to flower and plans for cordial and other concoctions are afoot. Less familiar to me, however, is dock pudding – this despite our shared provenance. Not that dock, by the way, but common bistort, polygonum bistorta. Here’s the Yorkshire version. The last time I saw something like that, the dog hadn’t been very well at all. But needs must.
Back in the mainstream, and this book has become increasingly referred to, splashed with sauces and generally loved. If you want to know how to make a rhubarb dumpling or chestnut soup – both could become regulars around here – look no further.
Coincidentally, after spending two years trying to define the difference between this and that, I find the perfect definition in the introduction to a cookbook of all places:
” … it’s an attitude of mind: the peasantry can be defined as those for whom agriculture is a livelihood and a way of life, not a business for profit.”
Et voila!
Wow, Max only 25 days left…where has the time gone? Good luck! Sue x
Thanks Sue, nice to know you’re still out there. I have strawberries, we’ll be fine : )
I hope the goat didn’t eat anything it wasn’t meant to.
Hey Ben,
It was the horned one what done it – no surprises there – just a few nibbled raspberries, thankfully!
I have a friend who uses nettles in quiche – apparently they taste rather like spinach. I’ve never tried them myself. You could just soak them for garden fertilizer – that way you don’t HAVE to eat them but at the same time feel you’re doing something useful with them!
If we were having to live off of our produce, we’d need a recipe for rhubarb and radishes. Any offers?
Hi Mary,
Don’t listen – nettles taste like NETTLES! A green, pungent experience. I’ve got comfrey soaking for fertiliser, but could have a stink-off with nettles!
Rhubarb: chutney, pickled, jam (with orange), wine(I’m told)and cordial…
Radishes: feed to hens!
Hello Max,
Dock pudding sounds interesting Max.
Reading about Les Saintes Glaces this morning and dismayed to see they will be later that I thought. On a French site I learned that they will be May 18/19/20th this year….which puts paid to my plans for this week.
So glad the rain came at last and I know you are too.
Hello Marcia!
Very good to read you here!
Let me know if you spot any bistort around the place and I’ll rustle up some dock pudding à la Yorkshire!
To get a frost now would be very confusing: April was August and May has been April so far. But those Ice Saints certainly restrain early planting out, I note the old boy down the road is only just sowing his potatoes…
If I could pick weather for the rest of the growing season, this would be it: a bit of everything!
Hello Max,
Wow, the strawberries, I am so envious, how wonderful to have such a bumper crop. Yes, the old ice saints are up to no good, it’s supposed to be next week but I see it’s forecast clear skies tonight so I’m being extra careful. Meanwhile I’ll just pop out to the field and see if I can spot any Bistort !
Regards Marcia xx
Definitely signs it was cold last night. I’m going to have to brace myself and check those potato plants!
My forecast says it could be down to 5 deg. over the next few days…
Good definition….and a coincidence, I have just bought her latest book, ‘A Year in a Welsh Farmhouse’, can’t wait to delve in and rustle up some goodies.
Sue xx
I’d be very grateful for a review on your blog, Sue. It’s my birthday next week and that was my no. 1 choice!