Foraging for Winter Salads: A Surprising Culinary Adventure
Traditionally, winter is not associated with foraging for edible plants. However, with the guidance of expert Jennifer Engelbrecht, participants in her workshops are amazed to discover that even in sub-zero temperatures, nature’s larder proves bountiful.
Engelbrecht, a 36-year-old from Stolzenau, offers a range of courses, including wild herb foraging, bread baking, and survival events in the forest. Recently, she led a seminar for aspiring forest, nature, and farm educators at the Waldcampus in Loccum, west of Hannover.
Nature’s Hidden Treasures
Despite the cold weather, Engelbrecht leads her group onto the grounds of the medieval Loccum Monastery, instructing them to seek out edible plants. She emphasizes the importance of only collecting approved species and provides detailed information on each.
Among the discoveries are:
- Plantain: A cold infusion of plantain leaves has anti-inflammatory properties, and with the addition of honey, it becomes an effective cough syrup.
- Daisy: Both leaves and roots of daisies can be prepared like field salad, creating a delightful dish that Engelbrecht recommends dressing with raspberry vinaigrette and walnuts.
- Yarrow: Known for its medicinal properties, yarrow can be used to treat wounds and soothe digestive issues.
- Evening Primrose: The dried petals of evening primrose can be steeped as tea, offering relief from cold symptoms.
Engelbrecht encourages her students to embrace the knowledge of local plants and herbs, empowering them to source food and remedies from their surroundings. She observes, "We’ve become accustomed to relying on supermarkets and pharmacies for our well-being."
Rewilding and Reconnecting
Engelbrecht’s passion for nature extends beyond mere hobby or side hustle; it’s a way of life. Inspired by the book "Women Who Run with the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, she has adopted the moniker "La Loba Natura" on Instagram.
"I strive for a primal connection with nature and believe that everything we need grows around us," she explains. Engelbrecht promotes self-sufficiency and encourages people to explore their surroundings.
Nature-Based Learning and Adventure
Engelbrecht’s workshops cater to diverse audiences, including bachelorette parties and corporate team-building events. She observes a clear division in interests, with women gravitating towards herbalism, cooking, and baking, while men prefer survival skills such as fire-building and navigation.
Beyond entertainment, Engelbrecht’s courses foster essential competencies: patience, dexterity, creativity, and self-reliance. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, stating, "In the forest, we learn to adapt and cope with setbacks."
A Growing Appreciation for Nature
Similar offerings exist throughout Lower Saxony. Lutz Sievers, a former tax consultant, now leads nature experiences in Wietze, ranging from canoeing and forest bathing to herbal medicine. He attributes the growing interest in nature to a heightened awareness of environmental issues.
"We’re witnessing a shift towards sustainability and mindfulness," Sievers says. "People are seeking experiences that cultivate a deep connection with the natural world."
Engelbrecht highlights a similar sentiment: "We instinctively yearn to spend time outdoors. We’re realizing that we’re an integral part of the natural cycle from which we’ve distanced ourselves."
Through her workshops and outdoor adventures, Jennifer Engelbrecht and others like her are fostering a renewed appreciation for nature’s bounty and empowering individuals to reconnect with their primal instincts. In doing so, they contribute to a growing movement that values self-sufficiency, resilience, and a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
