If your food budget is struggling to cover the basics, it certainly won't stretch to the superfoods aisle, but did you know that there are lots of equally nutritious foods that can be picked up for free from parks, hedgerows fields and woodland near you? These wild and wonderful superfoods will keep your body, mind and wallet happy and some of them are already rearing their heads in the spring sunshine.
Swap APPLES FOR CRAB APPLES
'The skin is full of gut-friendly pectin and is beneficial for detoxification,' says nutritionist and foraging expert Caroline Sherlock from Eat Drink Live Well. 'The darker the colour, the greater the anthocyanin level.'
HOW TO EAT 'You can't eat crab apples raw, but they make a delicious jelly to go with roasts.
WHERE TO FIND 'Crab apple trees are found in cities as well as the country.
WHEN TO LOOK From October to December.
Swap ROCKET FOR DANDELION LEAVES
'Dandelion leaves are a good source of calcium, iron, B vitamins as well as antioxidant vitamins A, C and E - making them a great detoxer,' says Caroline.
HOW TO USE 'The leaves are great in salads and the yellow petals make a pretty salad topping. You could also sauté them with a little garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
WHERE TO FIND You won't have to look far, as dandelions are plentiful in gardens and parks.
WHEN TO LOOK Now, when the leaves are still tender (older leaves will be tougher).
Swap CAMOMILE FOR LEMON BALM
'Lemon balm leaves contain rosmarinic acid, which promotes the calming neurotransmitter GABA - so it's good as an anti-anxiety and bedtime tea,' says Caroline.
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