Feast of the Forager – alive magazine

Step into the wild and uncover nature’s quiet medicine. For centuries, our ancestors instinctively knew that the land provided not just sustenance, but also healing.

In the heart of summer, when wild berries burst with sweetness and fragrant herbs thrive under golden skies, we find some of the most potent ingredients for soothing inflammation and restoring balance. This feature is an invitation to slow down, step off the beaten path, and reconnect with the bounty of the season.

Each of these five recipes highlights a powerful foraged ingredient—wild foods that are not only abundant in our Canadian landscape but that are also deeply nourishing. From sun-ripened berries to aromatic roots, these dishes are designed to support your body’s natural rhythms while celebrating the magic of eating straight from the earth.

This collection was originally published in the July 2025 issue of alive magazine.

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Crisp, fire-kissed wild asparagus is paired with a bright, citrusy gremolata made from lemon balm, a herb known to ease stress and aid digestion, for a dish that feels as vibrant as summer itself.

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A cooling, effervescent elixir crafted with anti-inflammatory Saskatoon berries and the warming spice of wild ginger—a perfect balance of bold flavour and functional nourishment.

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The deep, warming spice of wild ginger enhances a glossy, antioxidant-packed blueberry glaze atop perfectly crispy duck breast, bringing both flavour and anti-inflammatory benefits to the table.

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Lush wild blueberries and sweet Saskatoon berries, rich in brain-boosting anthocyanins, are folded into golden honeycomb tarts and finished with a velvety chamomile-infused mascarpone cream for the ultimate healing indulgence.

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