Stroll in a forest, observe the species of plants and shrubs, collect berries and fruits to eat and then find out how to use them in the kitchen. It might seem like an image very far from the city but instead it is an experience that we will be able to live in a few years Milan. Within the North Parkin fact, everything is ready to be born an edible forest of 10 thousand square meters with trees that produce edible fruit for humans or fauna.

Food Forest, a forest to eat

Food Forest is a project born from the collaboration between the public body North Milan Park ed Etifor, a spin-off of the University of Padua that deals with the development of services and products for the enhancement of nature: "The aim of the project is above all educational", explained Riccardo Gini, director of the park. "People can recognize trees and shrubs that produce fruits and berries that they normally eat, so they can appreciate them when they find them in the spontaneous woods in the plains and in the countryside."

From the forest to the kitchen

Jujube, pomegranate, mulberry, Japan goumi, azarole, medlar, Rosehip, hawthorn, buckthorn, FIG, elder, blackthorn, wild pear, cherry, wild apple, lime, oak, dogwood, hornbeam, ash, core, maple: the species selected for the project are all indigenous or well integrated into the territory. The first plantings will take place next November and in two to four years the forest will begin to be productive. Access will not be free, but will take place through public events and organized visits: the didactic itineraries, different according to the season, will lead to the discovery of the characteristics of the plants with indications on how to use flowers, fruits and berries in the kitchen. And, in this regard, the organization of tastings and cooking classes.

Adopt a tree

Anyone can contribute to the birth of the forest adopting a tree: just go to the site WOWNature, choose a tree of your favorite species and pay your contribution. The project is also supported by initiatives such as that of the restaurants specializing in natural cuisine That’s Steam: 50% of the proceeds from vegetarian dishes consumed during Green Saturdays, or on Saturdays of the year starting from last July, it will be donated to support the forestation project.

Some curiosities

The plants of the Food Forest give us many curiosities and anecdotes. Here are some about the lesser known species.

The blackthorn
In spring, its buds turn white, creating very easy to spot white “clouds” on the edge of fields and meadows. From the infusion of the berries, the Bargnolino liqueur, typical of the Piacenza area.
An average blackthorn captures 7 kg of CO₂ in a year, equal to 40.3 km traveled by car.

Hawthorn
It is characterized by white flowers and small thorns; the former loved by bees and the latter hated by birds, greedy for its berries. Hawthorn has become quite rare but, in the past, it has shone with great fame: known as the plant of the heart, Was highly regarded for the cardioprotective and cardiotonic properties of leaves and flowers.
An average hawthorn captures 7 kg of CO₂ in a year, equal to 40.3 km traveled by car.

The zero
It produces whitish-red fruits, very popular in Renaissance tables! When eaten fresh, they are thirst-quenching, refreshing, with a taste similar to that of apples or medlars and rich in vitamin A! The azerole was often planted in rows along country roads and on farms. An average bluer captures 7 kg of CO2 in a year, equal to 40.3 km traveled by car.