hedgerow ingredients in beer

[timbo41]

Well its that time of year when I start thinking about what I can scavenge up from local area in my quest for unusual beer. Found this liquer in local pub, so lovage is a possibility. Just wondered if fellow brewers incorporate any ingredients like this. Obvious examples are elder and nettles. Wonder if anyone would like to add to the list

[seymour]

I've used wormwood, juniper, chicory root, black walnuts, lemongrass, hibiscus which I grow. And stuff foraged from the woods over the years: wild oats, persimmons, rosehips, paw paw, dandelion roots...I'm sure I'm forgetting some. And homegrown crab-apples, albeit indirectly: I made my own pectin by boiling them down, a bit of which went into my Orange Marmalade recipe, which eventually went into a batch of Saison. All part of my whole "use the whole buffalo" ethos.

Future foraging concepts: yarrow, maple sap, honey locust pods, wild honey, wild cherries, wild plums, wild hops, and whatever else I come across.

[timbo41]

Had a feeling you'd come in on this mate. Trawling, I found this which I suspect will appeal to your historical interests


http://www.realfermenting.com/2012/06/g ... e.html?m=1

Hey..aphrodisiac possibilities as well. Find stuff for free. Win/win

[legion]

Have picked lots of new growth spruce tips to make spruce ales.

[seymour]

Have picked lots of new growth spruce tips to make spruce ales.

I keep meaning to, but always forget to do it at just the right time when there are lots of bright young needles. Do you have any proven recipe(s) you'd be willing to share?