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Feast of the Forager

Published Jul 31, 2025

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.

Wild Raspberry and Chamomile Enchanted Forest Pancakes

Soft, golden pancakes infused with calming chamomile and dotted with tart wild raspberries—nature’s own anti-inflammatory superfruit—create a breakfast that soothes the body and delights the senses.

Forager’s Fire-Grilled Wild Asparagus and Lemon Balm Gremolata

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.

Saskatoon Berry and Wild Ginger Elixir Spritz

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.

Wild Ginger and Blueberry Glazed Crispy Duck Breast

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.

Wild Blueberry and Saskatoon Berry Honeycomb Tarts with Chamomile Mascarpone Cream

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.

Corinne Quesnel

Corinne Quesnel is a Vancouver-based photographer, recipe developer, and health writer. She creates visually stunning, nutritious recipes, blending her passion for food and wellness with creative flair.