Nettles
Cooking Tips
- Soak fresh leaves in water, cook, or steep in a tea to remove the stinging chemicals. Or crush to break the "needles." After that, the leaves are safe to handle and eat.
- Make a nettle pesto and freeze for future use.
Details
Despite the stinging hairs for which the plant is known, nettle has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. It is very common in our region with our damp springs and fertile soil. It is most often wildharvested, though planting in your home garden will encourage beneficial insects (keep children away). Nettle tea has been said to cure urinary tract problems as it reduces inflammation and has a slightly laxative effect. It also is believed to aid diabetes sufferers by regulating blood sugar levels, and help eliminate dandruff.
If foraging for nettles, be sure to wear gloves and learn from an experienced wildharvester. Be sure to use sustainable harvesting practices.
Nutrition: Nettles are rich in vitamins A, C, iron, potassium, manganese and calcium.
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