New Zealand — Harvesting dinner from the beach?

[John Beisner]

So, I've read that, on any given beach tramp in NZ, one can dig down into the sand & somehow harvest dinner…

What am I looking or feeling for? Any particular time of day, year, or tide-time that would enhance success? How would I cook/prepare whatever it is I'm finding?

Thanks for any tips.

[Julian Watson]

Pippies and cockles are two types of shellfish you might find.

If you're going to eat pippies, which are a sand-filter feeder, leave em in the bottom of a bucket of water for an hour or two before cooking, so they purge the sand inside. Reduces grit flavour.

http://seafoodindustry.co.nz/Default.aspx?id=1238&area=243

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/mataitai-shellfish-gathering/4

Pippies are searched for by standing in the edge of the surf zone, doing 'the twist' and finding them with your barefeet.

They make excellent bait as well.

[Lynn Tramper]

Add some of that bright green sea-lettuce for a balanced and colourful meal ;)

[Adrian Smith]

sounds like a good crash diet plan :>

[Lynn Tramper]

For a more balanced diet make sure you bring along the book "A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand" by Andrew Crowe, otherwise you probably WILL starve!

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