SUMMARY In this episode we are joined by Nick Saltmarsh of Hodmedods. They grow and sell some of the most exciting beans and grains found in British soil. From carlin and ‘flamingo’ peas, to fava beans and quinoa grown in Essex, their range of rustic pulses, seeds and grains are nutritious, incredibly moreish, and found right here on your doorstep. Fergus The Forager joins us with tips on the edible parts of birch trees, including how to tap them for their nutritious sap. LINKS https://www.doorstepkitchen.com/podcast/foraging-with-fergus https://hodmedods.co.uk/ https://fergustheforager.co.uk ..read more

SUMMARY This episode features a chef-come-farmer who has worked in some the UK’s top restaurants such as Fera at Claridge’s Hotel (now closed) and Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in the Lake District. In partnership with Natoora, he’s now spearheading regenerative methods of farming across 120 acres of land in Cornwall and growing amazing produce that can be enjoyed across the UK. Dan talks about his journey to Melilot Farm, his methods of farming, future plans, and what he’s growing and why. Fergus The Forager joins us with tips on where to find and how to cook crab apples. LINKS https://www.doorstep ..read more

SUMMARY This episode features renowned chef Richard Corrigan. Richard is a stalwart for British and Irish seasonal food and an ambassador for the hospitality industry. He’s run Michelin-starred restaurants and the century old Bentley’s in Mayfair, and he’s even cooked for the queen. Richard is also the proud owner of the 150 acre estate Virginia Park Lodge in the Republic of Ireland, as well as Corrigan’s Mayfair and Shoreditch’s Daffodil Mulligan. We speak about his love for fish and seafood, particularly oysters, as well as his notorious soda bread, growing up in Ireland and his favourite se ..read more

SUMMARY My guest on this episode is a chef, grower of delicious produce, baker, and food sustainability advocate. She is the proud owner of 20 hens and the co-founder of London-based veggie supperclub Knuckle. We chat about her work as Food & Sustainability Director, her chickens, starting an edible garden, eating more sustainably, as well as mushroom foraging. Fergus joins us with an explanation of the Strawberry Tree. LINKS https://xanthegladstone.co.uk/ https://fergustheforager.co.uk/ https://www.thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk/ https://www.glendyecabinsandcottages.com/ https://www.hawarden ..read more

SUMMARY On this episode we speak to sheep farmer Matt Chatfield. He is giving sheep that are no longer deemed fit for breeding, a great retirement and by doing so is producing probably the best mutton you will ever taste. His ‘cull yaw’ has actually been compared to jamon. Matt also chats about silvopasture, rewilding, regenerative agriculture, and farming in Cornwall. Fergus The Forager chats about jelly ear mushrooms, a common fungi found on the elder tree, giving us some great ideas for cooking them in both a sweet and savoury way.  LINKS https://www.doorstepkitchen.com/ https://www.cu ..read more

Throughout Series 2, we have had Fergus Drennan (aka Fergus The Forager!) come on each episode of the podcast, to share his expert knowledge of wild edibles that we can find here in the UK. Learn about these edible doorstep delights here: Beefsteak Fungus Listen to the full episode here. Wild Roses and Rosehips Listen to the full episode here. Sea Buckthorn Listen to the full episode here. Hogweed Listen to the full episode here. Waxcaps Listen to the full episode here. Jelly Ear Listen to the full episode here. Strawberry Tree Listen to the full episode here. Reedmace Listen to the f ..read more

SUMMARY This episode features Gregorie Marshall, Master Salter at Blackthorn Salt. They are harnessing the sea on the west coast of Scotland and trickling the seawater down an incredible graduation tower stuffed full of blackthorn – aka sloe. It’s a shame I can’t visit the unique structure for myself which is a first in the UK, but I do have a box of his salt in the kitchen which I use to finish dishes and in salted caramels. Fergus The Forager chats about one of his favourite winter mushrooms, the wax cap.     LINKS  https://www.doorstepkitchen.com/ https://www.blackthornsalt.c ..read more

SUMMARY This episode features Mark Hix, one of the greats of British food. He a celebrated chef, restaurateur and food writer known for his original take of British gastronomy. He has unrivalled knowledge of local fish and seafood, has a whopping 12 cookbooks to his name, and even received an MBE in 2017 for his services to hospitality. We speak about coronavirus and the effect on the hospitality industry, including own restaurants which have been hugely impacted. Topics also include Mark’s love for seafood and fishing, his food philosophy, how best to cook fish and Mark gives us some ideas fo ..read more

SUMMARY This episode features Zak Frost, founder of Wiltshire Truffles, purveyors of English and global truffles, supplying the best restaurants across the country. We’ll learn what a truffle actually is, how their dogs find them, the different types we eat, what makes a great truffle, why truffle is actually great used in desserts, and the hard truth about truffled products. Fergus The Forager talks about sea buckthorn, a spiky coastal bush whose berries pack a tropical punch.    LINKS https://www.doorstepkitchen.com/ https://wiltshiretruffles.com/ https://fergustheforager.co.uk/ 3 ..read more

SUMMARY This episode features Gabe Cook. He is an award-winning cider expert with over 15 years experience, a cider writer, teacher, judge, and he’s even written a book about the wonderful fermented apple drink. We’ll learn what cider really is, the common misconceptions, the different styles we can discover, some great brands to try, and cider-fuelled drinks for Autumn and Winter. Fergus the forager talks about rosehips, an autumnal treat full of Vitamin C.     LINKS https://www.doorstepkitchen.com/ https://fergustheforager.co.uk/ https://www.theciderologist.com/ https://discovercid ..read more