Take a forest bath

[Bloomberg]( If you spent 2020 checking off national parks and road tripping close to home, it may be time for the next great thing outdoors: exploring the [arboreal wonder of an old-growth forest](. In the U.S., they’re increasingly being catalogued via the [Old-Growth Forest Network](, which is preserving patches of trees close to major urban centers in the boroughs of [New York]( as well as [Cleveland]( and all the way to the [Bay Area](. Buddy the dog explores Rockport State Park in Washington State with a friend. Photographer: Chona Kasinger for Bloomberg Businessweek The phrase “old-growth forest” was coined by ecologists in the ’70s, though the habitats can also be called “primary” or “virgin” forests. Generally the terms are used to describe [woodlands that have been undisturbed for more than a century](, resulting in a complex ecosystem that’s far more biodiverse than younger second-growth forests. The mental benefits of being surrounded by trees are well documented, particularly in Japan. There the practice is called shinrin yoku, or forest bathing; the term was coined in the 1980s when the country’s urban populations were experiencing the negative pressures of burnout in a booming economy. A lush green stream in Shiratani Unsui Gorge, Yakushima Island, Japan. Photographer: Ippei Naoi/Moment RF Decades later, shinrin yoku is still promoted by the government—and even prescribed by doctors—as a way to mitigate the effects of stress. Research from organizations including the U.S. National Institutes of Health has also shown that trees release antibacterial and antifungal phytoncides into the air, possibly boosting the immune system. Think of these wooded places like primeval portals into another age, reaffirming our infinitesimal place in the world. The giant root of an ancient tropical tree in Daintree National Park. Photographer: Ingo Oeland/Alamy Stock Photo “Old-growth forests are teeming with biodiversity,” says Shyla Raghav, Conservation International’s leading climate change expert. “In many ways they are irreplaceable.” And if this past year has taught us anything, so is most everything about life. It's time to start appreciating. A small spirit bear cub, also known as a Kermode bear, is only found in British Columbia, Canada's old-growth forest. Photographer: Mike R Turner/Moment RF [The Calming, Healthful Joy of Visiting an Old-Growth Forest Near You]( And there is likely one closer than you think. [Each of These Six Hikes Is a Point of Pride for Those Who Finish]( Seeking a superlative experience in the great outdoors? Look no further [The Technical Gear That’ll Help Elevate Your Style On the Trail]( Twelve items to add to your wardrobe, whether you’re trekking in the great outdoors or just down the street. [Four Old-Growth Forests That Are a Journey to a Land Before Time]( These trees are worth building a trip around—just check pandemic restrictions before booking. [Put Your Hunger on Hold With a Tastier Take on Gorp Trail Mix]( The blend of “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” can be better than the usual fare. Celebrate Cinco Although [tacos]( and [tequila]( invariably loom large—as with everything else in 2021, it’s a good year to rethink traditions. May we suggest [shrimp and beer instead](? A new cookbook from virtuoso Seattle chef Renee Erickson, [Getaway: Food & Drink to Transport You]( (Abrams Books; $40) has a recipe that takes us to the beaches of Baja and redefines our classic American idea of shrimp cocktail. Beer-braised shrimp cocktail calls for more beer. Source: Abrams Books There’s no steroid-size shellfish perched alongside a mound of potent cocktail sauce or grated horseradish. Instead you get wild sweet shrimp poached in a bath of Mexican lager and dried chili to give it a refreshing and contrasting bitter bite. Then it’s all chilled back down and piled in a bowl, where brightly flavored cilantro oil, thin fresh chili slices, refreshing tomato slices, and lots of lime join the party. The unlikely finishing touch? A plate of Saltine crackers. The following recipe is adapted from Getaway by Renee Erickson with Sara Dickerman. Shrimp Cocktail With Tomato and Cilantro Oil Serves 6 - 1 cup chopped cilantro stems and leaves - 1 cup grapeseed or other neutral oil - 2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste - ½ tsp. seeded and roughly chopped serrano chile, plus 1 serrano, very thinly sliced - 30 shell-on wild Gulf shrimp, size 16–20, deveined - Two 12-oz. cans or bottles of light-bodied Mexican lager, like Tecate or Pacifico - 1 dried ancho or guajillo chile - 5 tbsp. lime juice, plus more to taste - 1 medium tomato, cut into slim wedges, or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Saltine crackers, to serve Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the cilantro stems and turn off the heat. After 30 seconds, drain the stems, then let cool. In a blender, combine the stems, oil, ½ tsp. salt, and the roughly chopped serrano and puree until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve. In a medium saucepan, bring the beer, ancho, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Discard the chile. The article’s author mistakenly bought peeled shrimp for her first test. Don’t try it: Peel-on shrimp is much better, based on a second test. Photographer: Kate Krader/Bloomberg Bring the beer mixture to a boil again. Place half the shrimp in the liquid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the shellfish turn pink and the meat is just opaque throughout, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a plate, and put them in the refrigerator to cool. Repeat with the remaining shrimp. When the shrimp are cool, peel them and cut in half lengthwise. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the tomato, about ½ cup of the cilantro oil, the remaining 3 tablespoons lime juice, and ½ teaspoon salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more cilantro oil, salt, or lime if desired. Sprinkle with the serrano slices and serve with Saltines. As close as the New York-based article’s author will get to a beach in Mexico anytime soon. Photographer: Kate Krader/Bloomberg    In Other Delicious News One of the iconic Kenneth Stern monkey paintings being sold in the Le Cirque auction Source: Black Rock Galleries [Le Cirque Auction Puts New York’s Socialite History on the Block]( [Posh French Winemakers Pounce on Big American Vineyard Selloff]( [Chicago’s Best Restaurants Impress Michelin Guide With Their ‘Resilience’]( [This Pasta Salad Revolutionizes the Beloved TikTok Recipe]( [This Is the Summer of Second Cities]( [An Exclusive New Bar Is Offering Tastes of $50,000 Whisky](  Paid Post The power of PayPal online, now in person. Give your small business an easy way to accept touch-free, in-person payments. Create a unique QR code with the PayPal app and display it on your device or as a printout in store. [Download the app.]( Customer must have PayPal account and app to pay. PayPal Snippets "Every vacation needs to be a restoration of the spirit... Make today more uncertain than yesterday. Once you live with uncertainty, nothing ever goes wrong." —Deepak Chopra on [the future of travel](. Deepak Chopra. Photographer: Nathan Congleton/NBCUniversal/Getty Images "Dare I say, this is the most under-appreciated watch in existence? I dare say. I'm saying it." —Hodinkee's Danny Milton [in defense of two-tone Rolexes](. A 1980s two-tone Rolex Datejust with a jubilee bracelet. Source: Hodinkee "Words like 'fine,' 'pleasant,' 'enjoyable,' 'meh.' Ugh." —Car critic Hannah Elliott on trying to find the right way to describe her [test-drive of Infiniti's first crossover SUV](. The Infiniti QX55 is utterly forgettable. Source: Infiniti "At home, it's a longer, more leisurely, celebration, until everyone gets sick of it." —André Mack, founder of Maison Noir wines, on [ordering-in the ultimate Mother's Day celebration](. Order in some of these top products from artisans of color and celebrate Mother's Day without the restrictions of a restaurant. Photographer: Dylan + Jeni for Bloomberg "I tell you, it’s brutal." —Douglas Elliman broker Michaela Keszler on the [frenzied Hamptons real estate market](. 153 Deforest Rd. in Montauk is listed for $11.95 million. Source: Sotheby's International Realty "The fact they want to do this, and finally come back to New York, is fantastic news and sends a fantastic message." —Marc Payot, the co-president of Hauser & Wirth gallery, on the [Frieze bringing the art world back together](. Louise Bourgeois’s Blind Man's Buff, from 1984. Photographer: Christopher Burke, © The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY,Courtesy The Easton Foundation and Hauser & Wirth  "There will be an exodus, and there already is." —Trumpeter Jonathan Clarke on [how Brexit is hurting musicians](. 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