Dandelion, silver birch and coffee

We are just kicking off the beginning of the foraging season here in Scandinavia. My favorite month of the year, May, has so much in store for geminis like me! May is a month of freedom, of growth and good times! It even has my birthday in it!

Foraging is a favorite of mine in May and early June, the windows of opportunity are short, spring is busy, but after some years of "oh, was that now already?" passed opportunities, foraging is now high up on my list of spring activities!

What is there to collect? First and foremost; Dandelion. I - LOVE - THAT - FLOWER.

Dandelion is so rich in color, sun, joy. It survives anything. And thank God for that. Most Scandic people have no idea what a treasure they have growing in roadsides and lawn. The Common Dandelion has "a thousand benefits". In China it is a treasured plant. For the justice of the dandelion, I will say a few words about it. Dandelion is edible. It is rich in complete proteins, provitamin A, vitamin C and mineral salts. Dandelion stimulates the gall-bladder, liver and kidneys, combats constipation, is diuretic, lowers cholesterol, helps with skin issues like acne and eczema, cellulite and helps the body detox.

Common dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)

This week I have picked dandelion flowers every day to make my daily decoction to drink throughout the day. Dandelion flowers can also be foraged, dried and stored to bright up a rainy day later.

But there are more to enjoy during May than dandelion! May is the month of the silver birch, of the apple trees in bloom, and the possibility to drink (and enjoy) the morning coffee outside in the sun. We Scandies have been waiting for this for oh so many cold months! So, I welcome the month of May with a heart flowing over of love and appreciation for all that is - for May, for music, freedom, flowers, joy, happiness!

I hope you will be enjoying your May as much as I will.

Janne