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| Mountain Ash berries, Herne Hill |
Also known as Mountain Ash although they are not related to true Ash. This is a small to medium sized tree that can be seen quite commonly round London and is easy to recognize at the moment as they’re brimming with bunches of red berries. These trees are able to survive at high altitudes, hence the name but are also popular in towns. The berries are a very important winter stable for birds as they persist even after the leaves have fallen, they even attract migratory birds like Waxwing into town. The berries are edible but are said not to be very pleasant on their own. I’ve heard they can be made into a pleasant conserve to eat with game. Be very careful that you’ve made 100% correct identification there are lots of dangerous berries about!
Julian, the berries are pretty tart and astringent raw (you should try a couple :o) ). Made into a jelly (along with apples for the pectin and some sugar for sweetness), the flavour is moderated somewhat and, as you say, goes well with game such as pheasant.
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Paul
Your collection picture is so wonderful. Very simple but presentation is so nice.
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