Forest Fact : Jack by the Hedge

We’ve been spotting all sorts of delicious springtime hedgerow snacks, our favourite salad addition is Jack by the Hedge.  It grows in shaded areas along hedgerows and the edges of woods, roadsides and parks. 

Also known as Garlic Mustard, this biennial spring wildflower smells a lot like garlic when the stems and leaves are crushed.  All parts of Jack by the hedge are edible.  The flowers can be cooked like broccoli and the roots have a horseradish like taste.  Leaves are heart shaped with toothed prominent edges and if collected when young can be used in salads, pesto or to flavour soup. Happy foraging!