Chris and I set off on our bikes today in search of ripe fruit in public right-of-ways. He had noticed a plum tree on a busy street on his way home from the farmer's market this morning, and let me tell you, Chris can knock back the plums, so we HAD to go get some.
I can't tell you where I first heard of the fallen fruit movement. Perhaps it was the newest book I'm reading Food Not Lawns by H.C. Flores (Chelsea Green, 2006); [I still have to review it here, but I want to read it again, start to finish, as I read it in fits and spurts the first time, so it's a little foggy in my head.]
The Fallen Fruit movement is basically making use of the fruit that is in public spaces, including overhanging from private property, instead of letting it go to waste. We passed by this gorgeous orange tree this winter on the way to the farmer's market, and each week it became more obvious that the owners were not picking the fruit on the street side of the fence. I could have stopped and retrieved some because there was plenty to go around, but I didn't. And I'm kicking myself now!
If you open your eyes to the world you live in and the spaces you pass through on a regular basis, you will find more than you realized was there. For example, while we were riding, I was engrossed in our mission, and suddenly became aware of other edible fruits that were ripening. It was an adventure, and there was definitely something primal about it. I could see the wild grapes and bramble berries everywhere. And while they won't be ripe for at least another month, I know exactly where some great spots are, and since both grow so well here in our city, I'm sure there will be plenty to be found when the time is right.
We ended up filling our backpacks with 16 pounds (7.4 kg) of cherry plums (the purple leaf variety tends to be showy, and is thus planted heavily in public places). I have plenty to make jam and plenty for Chris to eat.
Free. And the 10 miles we rode on our bikes was great exercise.
Have I mentioned how much I love my life recently?
Jun 7, 2008
Urban Hunting and Gathering
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7 comments:
This is great! Fallen fruit was what got me started making jam in the first place. We lived in Berkeley at the time, and in places the sidewalks would be black with fallen plums. I couldn't stand it. So I started picking them, looked up how to make jam in Joy of Cooking, and found a whole obsession--er, hobby. Just like you, I'd mark berry patches. It was wonderful.
I'm not sure where you are, but you're sure not in Montana, where the tulips are just blooming and the blossoms are still on the fruit trees.
Enjoy your plums.
--Kate
I've got my eye on an apricot tree down the street... last year the fruit was left for the birds. This year I will be the bird!
Katie,
I used to work in downtown Sacramento and remember seeing the big oranges from a rental flat property accross the street drop to the ground and rot. These suckers were beautiful. I say, if its neglected and the fruit of this trees labor goes to rot, makes sense to harvest where you can.
Sean
Those are small, red plums (cherry atropurpea or purple-leaf plum, Prunus cerasifera) make a fine astringent compote or jam. In most years they begin to fall about 3 weeks before pie cherries (Prunus cerasus).
themanicgardener - It's great to meet someone who helped start a revolution. Kudos! I'm in Folsom, CA, about 25 miles east of Sacramento.
Natalie - Be the bird.
Sean - We're trying to find more than just plums, berries, and grapes here. Like peaches and cherry trees as well. The quest begins.
Marie - Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I always love to find new blogs/sites (linked under photography already, but with all you do, I wonder if that is the right "box" to put you in!). We made plum jam last night and it's very sweet/tart. A fine combo if you ask me.
great work not letting the fruit go to waste. the best fruit i have eaten has been home grown.
What a great idea! I'd have to do some research, though... lots of tiny berries around here in the wild areas, and I'm honestly not sure what's edible and what's poisonous among them.
Btw, any bites on your "will harvest excess fruit" post on Folsom Cafe?
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