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Lebanese forager Rianna Tassabehji is not what one would call a typical spokesperson. Rather than forcefully disseminate her ancestral knowledge of the plant world, she simply wants to “pass it along to whoever is interested in listening”. But while her approach is laissez faire, her philosophy is anything but. The same can be said for her practice which is fiercely anti-consumerist and anti-colonial. Making her own laundry detergent or tincture, for instance, is not only cost-effective. It’s a protest against a system that has made us debilitatingly dependent.
When she’s not sharing her findings on social media or facilitating workshops, she’s cocooning in her multi-generational family home in Bhamdoun in the grace of wild things, which is where I met her.
Rianna Tassabehji on her family's property in Bhamdoun, a mountain town about 20km north of Beirut. The house was a gift from her grandfather to her grandmother when Rianna's father was born.
Rianna Tassabehji's tincture cabinet. Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts. The plants, berries, and mushrooms pictured are soaked in 90 proof alcohol, while other herbs she's foraged are soaked in vodka, wine, and arak. She sometimes makes bespoke combinations for friends and family in need.
The solar panels were fortuitously put up before Lebanon's crisis began in 2020. The devaluation of the currency, banking sector bankruptcy, and shortage of fuel (which engendered electricity blackouts) are the chief aspects of this crisis. By erecting the solar panels, the Tassabehji family was able to shield themselves from the devastating consequences of the latter. In the summer, they have enough electricity to support everyone's needs from internet usage to laundry.
At the beginning of spring, the olive trees were pruned. Rianna gathered a few branches in order to make a tea that she could then add to the food of one of her cats who had a mouth infection. Olive leaf is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Rianna makes her own laundry detergent, the base of which is baking soda, salt, and soap. Every batch is different, though, depending on what is seasonally available. At the time this photo was taken, the lavender was in full bloom. Making her own products has not only allowed Rianna to be more self-sufficient, but has helped her distance herself from corporate marketing tactics.
This is Rianna's drying room festooned with chilis harvested during the previous season. Once they have reached maturation, they will be used to make chili flakes.
Rianna harvesting lavender for her laundry detergent.
A note from a fellow forager and plant food experimenter.
Rianna foraging for capers in her backyard in order to pickle.