Himalayan Balsam

[Rob Hall]

Hi,

I recently attended a great foraging and brewing four with Andy Hamilton and I'm keen to make his Autumn Flower Champagne using Himalyan Balsam. Not sure if it is a Foragers hoodoo to reveal secret sources but does anyone know where I might find some! (himalayas might be a bit far before anyone decides one wisecrack!)

Thanks for your help.

Rob.

[Josh ua]

Hi Rob,

I haven't been there recently but I remember finding Himalayan Balsam by the river at Barcombe Mills. 

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=barcombe+mills+sussex+map&hl=en&ll=50.913424,0.045061&spn=0.046107,0.098104&hnear=Barcombe+Mills,+Barcombe,+Lewes+BN8+5BU,+United+Kingdom&gl=uk&t=m&z=14

I think it's often by rivers so if you can think of any closer rivers that would seem a good place to check. It's quite a nice cycle from Lewes and I've enjoyed swimming there as well as spotting Lamprey and a Kingfisher there, although I heard recently there's been a sewage spill there(!?).

You can also eat the Balsam seeds on their own, they're a bit like hemp seeds but can leave quite a bitter after-taste.

Good luck,

Josh

[Rob Hall]

Josh,

This is great. Good to excuse to get the kayak out!

Many thanks,

Rob.

[Rob Hall]