Nettles

Nutrition Information:

Stinging Nettles are often used in herbal medicine for reducing inflammation, hay fever symptoms, and blood pressure. They contain Vitamins such as A, C, and K and minerals such as Calcium and Iron. These plants are known to sting to the touch, and can cause itchiness, redness and swelling if handled without gloves.

Storage Tips:

Keep Nettles in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge for a few days. Do not wash until just before use. You can also dry the nettles by hanging them upside down in small bunches in a dry, dark place. The can also be dried in a paper bag and rotated every few days until dry. Once dry, wear gloves to crumble the leaves into a dry powder.

Uses:

Nettles are often used in soups and stews, or cooked as a side. They have a similar flavor to spinach, and can often be used as a replacement for spinach in many recipes. Nettle tea is also very popular.

Recipe Ideas:

• Try this Nettle Tea recipe from countryfile.com, which uses either dried or fresh nettles.

• From allrecipes.com, this recipe for Nettle Soup.

• This recipe for Sauteed Stinging Nettles from thespruceeats.com.