Ep 8. Farms and Foraging

In this episode of Weekends with Yankee season 3, viewers are taken on a journey across New England's farms and forests to explore the region's rich tradition of foraging for wild edibles. Hosts Amy Traverso and Richard Wiese meet up with local experts who share their knowledge and passion for the bounty that can be found in the natural world.

The first stop is in Massachusetts, where Amy meets up with Russell Stevens, a forager who runs "The Wildman's Kitchen," a local business that specializes in wild foods. Russell takes Amy on a tour of a nearby forest, where they explore the different plants and fungi that are available for foraging. Along the way, they collect a variety of edibles, including wild raspberries, lemony wood sorrel, and nutty black walnuts. Back in Russell's kitchen, he shows Amy how to prepare a tasty snack from their finds.

Next, Richard heads to New Hampshire, where he visits the historic Canterbury Shaker Village. There, he meets with historian Michelle Arnosky Sherburne, who shares the story of the Shakers and their unique approach to living off the land. Guided by Michelle, Richard tries his hand at harvesting medicinal roots, digging up sarsaparilla and burdock. Then they explore the village's extensive gardens, learning about heirloom vegetables and culinary herbs that were once grown by the Shakers.

In Vermont, Amy visits chef and forager Michael Witzel, who shows her how he incorporates wild edibles into his cuisine at the local restaurant, The Kitchen Table Bistro. Michael takes Amy to a nearby farm, where they collect fresh produce that he uses to make a delicious wild herb pesto. Then they head into the woods to harvest ramps, a wild onion that's a staple of Vermont's spring cuisine.

Finally, Richard travels to Maine to explore the state's rich fishing heritage. He joins a group of clam diggers who harvest Maine's famous soft-shell clams from the mud flats of the Bay of Fundy. Then he heads out onto the water with a lobsterman who shares the secrets of Maine's most famous seafood. Back on shore, Richard meets with expert forager Tom Seymour, who shows him how to hunt for wild mushrooms in the pine forests of Maine.

Throughout the episode, Amy and Richard share their love for the natural world and the incredible edibles that can be found in our own backyards. They remind viewers of the importance of sustainable foraging practices and the joy of discovering fresh, local ingredients. Weekends with Yankee season 3 episode 8 is a celebration of the beauty and bounty of New England's farms and forests.