Although they have come and gone,
I must do a post about these little jewels.
Behold a treasure of the natural world:
The black locust blossom.
I didnt even have a clue about these until I came across
them in the book "Forager's Harvest" by Samuel Thayer.
He was writing about his experiences in Michigan,
so I wasnt sure if they were around here. He said that the
prime time for harvesting them is around late may.
Then, as my synchronized experience would have it,
I came across some as I was walking into the Sheep Meadow
in the southern part of Central Park.
There they were...days after I had just learned of their existence.
I picked a few off, and upon nibbling, tasted the sweet little pools
of nectar which was awaiting any hungry bee flying along.
They are just so good. And they are best alone.
But of course, I had to see if I could add them to some dishes.
Easily enough, I did a smoothie and then threw some upon a salad.
One thing I noticed was how much they reminded me of popcorn.Not the taste, but the feeling. Just popping them in my mouth.
Sure, you could do that with nuts or seeds, but after a while you
are going to have a 2000 calorie brick sitting in your stomach.
You'll start to feel warm, and realize that you made a huge mistake.
But with these? Smooth sailing all the way.
I took them to the theater when we saw
"Forgetting Sarah Marshall"
and it was perfect. Nice to be able to eating something
super healthy in the theater that still tasted great but was light.
People living in the northern areas of the US still have a shot at these.
Here is the video I made. Enjoy...
Who here hasnt subscribed to my youtube channel?
Seriously...its a really good idea because you'll get a notification
each time I put something up. Maybe you dont want that at all...
but if it sounds like something that you might want, subscription
is easy and you can see who Ive subscribed to.
Youtube is one of the best parts of the internet. I have learned
so much in the past year from it. Not just raw foods, but EVERYTHING.
Its a resource that few really take advantage of. I dont
want us to be glued to the computer screen all day, but when you
have to research something, search for it on youtube,
and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.
June is here...get out and enjoy.
Anthony
Here is the video I made. Enjoy...
Who here hasnt subscribed to my youtube channel?
Seriously...its a really good idea because you'll get a notification
each time I put something up. Maybe you dont want that at all...
but if it sounds like something that you might want, subscription
is easy and you can see who Ive subscribed to.
Youtube is one of the best parts of the internet. I have learned
so much in the past year from it. Not just raw foods, but EVERYTHING.
Its a resource that few really take advantage of. I dont
want us to be glued to the computer screen all day, but when you
have to research something, search for it on youtube,
and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.
June is here...get out and enjoy.
Anthony
8 comments:
Have you read this on wikipedia? "Unlike the pods of the honey locust, but like those of the related European Laburnum, the black locust's pods are toxic. In fact, every part of the tree, especially the bark, is considered toxic, with the exception of the flowers. However, various reports have suggested that the seeds and the young pods of the black locust can be edible when cooked, since the poisons that are contained in this plant are decomposed by heat. Horses that consume the plant show signs of anorexia, depression, diarrhea, colic, weakness, and cardiac arrhythmia. Symptoms usually occur about 1 hour following consumption, and immediate veterinary attention is required."
Hey Ant!
I thought you might enjoy this blog http://freshnessfactorfivethousand.blogspot.com/
my fave musician, Jason Mraz, who has just gone back to being Raw Vegan.. check out his latest blog on being a busy touring musician who brings his knife, vitamix and box of superfood goodies. Please do a post on him if you feel it's inspirational!
xo
M
Man this post really freaks me out in a good way. I'll tell you why. I'm reading about wild foods in my area and learned about a coastal plant. I don't know why it stuck in my brain. Then this weekend, my hon and I went camping. There on this outcropping of black lava rock on the Pacific coast was the wild green! I sampled it and it was infact salty at the book said. I later ate some wild roses. Of course I thought about your locust flower vid. You're on a great wavelength and it's really fun because there aren't that many guys out there talking about this stuff!
Stay cool,
~Sam
Anyone ever have honeysuckles? This just reminded me that we used to eat those as kids.
Anthony, what part of the park do you find these?
Us NYC'ers could use a map. :)
"Then, as my synchronized experience would have it,
I came across some as I was walking into the Sheep Meadow
in the southern part of Central Park."
Right around 66th st on the west side of the park...but they are gone now :(
And for the pods...yes, like most legumes, they have toxins if not cooked. :( oh well...Im not into beans AT ALL anymore, so i dont mind.
Sprouting beans will prevent the toxins from what Ive heard, but its no biggie for me. Stick with the flowers one week out of the year, and youre golden.
I found a black locust blossom tree. I found one, I found one! By total chance too (synchronicity), that is to say I was not even looking for it. The quality of flowers is not the best, however. Might have found it to late. I'll know more tomorrow when I walk back home from work and see it in the light. :0) Thanks, A, for telling us about this beauty of a blossom. You always do save the day with your inquisitiveness and knowledge. :0)
My friend recently started growing wheatgrass, by the way. He's getting some of that loverly ocean water solution!
Oh, it was too late, but it smelled interesting enough. (These trees are lovely.) Darn. Next year, next year...I'll be on top of my game.
Hey Anthony,
Just wanted to tell you that I'm waiting for my daylillies to blossom and I'll try making your smoothie using those instead. It was too late for the black locust by the time I caught up with posts.
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