Neighbourhood Foraging for the Wild Food Gourmet

Outdoors
Written By Steven Biggs
Robin (Robert K.) Henderson, author of The Neighborhood Forager: A Guide for the Wild Food Gourmet

Robin (Robert K.) Henderson, author of The Neighborhood Forager: A Guide for the Wild Food Gourmet

Robin Henderson joins us to talk about foraging.

As he was growing up, he heard family stories about the foraging of previous generations.

Then, as urban growth engulfed the area where he lived, he discovered the many edible plants growing in his own neighbourhood.

Henderson points out that many people think of “subsistence” foraging—foraging to fill the stomach. For him, foraging can be a lot more than subsistence—he’s a big believer in “gastronomic foraging.”

Henderson explains that it’s even possible to forage in winter, while there is snow on the ground.

Gourmet Ideas Include:

  • elderflower champagne

  • sumac lemonade

  • sorrel paste and sorrel soup

  • spruce beer

  • dandelion salads and dandelion root coffee

  • velvety lambs quarters

the neighbourhood forager.jpg
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Steven Biggs

Recognized by Garden Making Magazine as one of the "green gang" of Canadians making a difference in horticulture, Steven Biggs is a horticulturist, former college instructor, and award-winning broadcaster and author. His passion is helping home gardeners grow food in creative and attractive ways.


He’s the author of eight gardening books, including the Canadian bestseller No Guff Vegetable Gardening. His articles have appeared in Canada’s Local Gardener, Mother Earth News, Fine Gardening, Garden Making, Country Guide, Edible Toronto, and other magazines.


Along with over 30 years working in the horticultural sector and a horticultural-science major at the University of Guelph, Steven’s experience includes hands-on projects in his own garden including wicking beds, driveway strawbale gardens, and a rooftop tomato plantation—to the ongoing amusement of neighbours.


When not in the garden, you might catch him recording his award-winning Food Garden Life podcast or canoeing in Algonquin Park.

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