Nature offers
wild treasures
Baltic nature is very generous
Picking wild goods is a lifestyle in the Baltics. Not only that it is fun as a relaxing and active leisure, but it is all about eating the best of the best.
We believe there is a great difference of the same plants we collect in garden or natural forest. Locals say, that few wild berries per day is better than any pill. Would you believe that?
Wild Spring Treasures
- Birch & Maple sapMARCH to APRILSap is collected in the very beginning of March, from 2 to 4 weeks when melting snow fills the roots of each awakened tree with vitamins and minerals.
A small hole is made in the trunks of healthy birch trees, then the sap starts dripping - Fresh greensMARCH to APRILThe dandelion flowers and leaves, nettle, tree buds, ground elder and other goods are called superfoods by locals. Prepare it as salad or smoothy and feel energy boosting within an hour. Get back all the elements and vitamins after the long winter.
- dandelion flowerApril to mayThe golden spring crop much appreciated for its leaves and flowers. Eat it the salads, smoothies and omelette. The biggest traveling gourmands we encourage making so called dandelion honey (sirup) or even a dandelion wine.
- Medicinal herbsSPRING to AUTUMNSome of the herbs are much appreciated in the early spring, whereas the roots are being picked in autumn time. However we believe that the most of medicinal herbs should be picked before the Midsummer. At least 500 plant species have been utilized as traditional remedies.
Wild Summer Treasures
- STRAWBERRYJUNE to JULYDelicacy and the greatest source of iron. It the year are generous and you know "that place" few liters of wild strawberries is been picked easily. Being of a rich taste, fesh, frozen or dried – one small berry spreads it's aroma in an entire barrel.
- BlueberryJULY to SEPTEMBERA golden product in dark blue color among the most valuable products of the world. Very healthy for the eyes and digestion system. As for any berries we first appreciate it fresh, but dried or in preserves it delights in winter season.
- raspberryJULY to AUGUSTProbably the first remedy we remember once facing the flu or the fever. One of the best berry for the jam or cake and very tasty while fresh.
- MushroomsJULY to OctoberWhen enough of rain summer could be generous of boletus and chanterelle.
- Rosebay willow-herbJULYLocally known as "baltic green tea".
Fermented herb is known as Ivan chai and has long been used for colds, fatigue, urinary tract ailments, removing heavy metals from the body, improving the work of the cardiovascular system, food and alcohol poisoning. - LingonberryAUGUST to SEPTEMBERAlso known as a cowberry is very easy and joyful to pick in the forest. Because of it's acidity preferred to eat in the dish, than alone. Lingonberry-apple-pear mix in the jam, or a pure berry jam is the local top recipe for the winter.
- BlackberryAUGUST to SEPTEMBERContain a wide array of important nutrients including potassium, magnesium and calcium, as well as vitamins A, C, E and most of our B vitamins. Fresh or in as a jam, however, be ready for getting in to the unwelcoming bushes where it hides.
- bog bilberryAUGUST to SEPTEMBERVaivoras or girtuokle (literarly "a drunk berry") is found in the swamps and looks like a blueberry but has sweeter taste. Baltic people know this berry as a local "grape" fitting well for the wine fermenting.
Anyone keen to explore the baltic bogs for this natural delicacy? - CranberrySEPTEMBER to springRich in vitamin E, copper and manganese. Picking it could be a great fun for the adventure hunters, as we need to get to the swamps or other humid places. Cranberry is exceptional for being able to stay fresh throughout the winter kept at home or in the wild nature under the snow,
- Sea buckthornSEPTEMBER to springThe berry is still relatively new in the modern food industry. The most popular products are jams, juices, tea and oil. All manufactured products have health benefits. More and more food supplements and medications include of the berries or their oils, so we can conclude that it is really useful.
- Other bush berriesAugust to springGuelder rose, rowan, chokeberries and elderberry are mostly picked for the remedy but could nicely applied in the daly dishes. Why to take pills while we can enjoy few fresh or dried berries per day. Let's see what is prescribed to you by wild nature.ask for details
- acornSeptember to octoberThere was a time when the acorn powder was a substitute for coffee among poor people. It was also wildly spread during the World war causing the lack of food. Being nutritious and without caffeine acorn drink has become a tradition. Try it in restaurant or bring a box of it as a souvenir.
Wild Autumn & Winter Treasures
- Mushroomseptember to OctoberPicking mushroom is a cultural tradition in the Baltic states. On the high autumn season offers 400 edible varieties, out of which we mainly use 30. Apart from boletus or chanterelle discover new tastes such as the safran sirmik, the morel and other. We would even challenge you tasting a lichen.
- FishYear roundBream, perch, pike-perch, roach, zanthe, Baltic herring,
ice-fishing, during which one catches burbots (Lota lota) and smelts (Osmerus eperlanus). At the Baltic Sea, out of the ships, amateur fishermen catch flatfish, Baltic herring, cod, and halibut. - AmberOctober to marchThe best time for amber fishing comes after the storm. This is when the amber hunter grab the special tool, the waterproof clothes and goes to the sea.
For those who prefer more less extreme hunting we recommend amber picking in the sea weeds washed out on the shores. - CranberrySEPTEMBER to springRich in vitamin E, copper and manganese. Picking it could be a great fun for the adventure hunters, as we need to get to the swamps or other humid places. Cranberry is exceptional for being able to stay fresh throughout the winter kept at home or in the wild nature under the snow,
- Sea buckthornSEPTEMBER to springThe berry is still relatively new in the modern food industry. The most popular products are jams, juices, tea and oil. All manufactured products have health benefits. More and more food supplements and medications include of the berries or their oils, so we can conclude that it is really useful.
Natural treasures seasonal calendar
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
Smelt
main season
MARCH
MARCH
Zander
main season
Birch and maple sap collecting
The moment of a year when you can try fresh sap straight in the forrest.
Season last two weeks.
Season last two weeks.
Vimba Vimba (vimba bream)
main season
APRIL
APRIL
Catfish
legal season starts
Wild greens
First wild greens as dandelion, nettle and other start. Locals pick them as a rich source of vitamins and elements after the winter to boost the body.
MAY
MAY
Dandelion flowers
Wine, jam, syrup, salad or smoothies making is possible using the dandelion flowers and leaves.
Season last three weeks.
Season last three weeks.
JUNE
JUNE
Wild Strawberries
Season last one month.
Wild herbs
The best time to pick the wild herbs for your home mediciene is before the midsummer night.
JULY
JULY
Blueberries
Season starts and lasts till the end of August.
Raspberries
Season starts and lasts till the end of August.
Golden Chanterelle & Boletus
Season starts and lasts till middle October.
Ivan Chai (Rosebay Willowherb)
The green tea of the Nordic region. Could be prepared fresh, fermented or dry.
Season last two weeks.
Season last two weeks.
AUGUST
AUGUST
Lingonberries
You can't skip trying apple-pear-Lingonberries jam on a black bread. First, let's go picking them.
Season last till the end of September.
Season last till the end of September.
Blackberries
Season last till September
Salmon
Leagal season
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
Cranberries
The red beads on the green moss carpet. Keep the cranberries throughout the winter – this could be gerat source of the vitamin C.
Season last till spring.
Season last till spring.
Sea Buckthorns
The berries is a new MODERN hit of our old traditional cuisine, A great source of vitamin C and the unique taste.
Possible to pick fresh till spring.
Possible to pick fresh till spring.
Mushroom
MAIN SEASON of the mushrooms locals appreciate on their table the most.
Season last till the end of October.
Season last till the end of October.
Acorn
Time to pick the acorns, roast it and mill for the cozy hot beverage for cold season evenings.
Season last till the first snow.
Season last till the first snow.
DECEMBER
DECEMBER
Perch
main season (December-January)
