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Harvest the nettles by cutting off only the upper leaves (no larger than about 3” wide). Check the undersides of the leaves to make sure there is no white spittle present. Since you want only the leaves, you’ll save yourself a lot of effort later by cutting the leaves from the stems as you go.
How do you harvest and dry stinging nettles?
Spread stems and leaves on the drying trays of a dehydrator. Set the temperature at its lowest setting (95°F or 35°C) and dry for 12 to 18 hours. The stems will take longer to dry than the leaves, so always test them instead of the leaves to determine if the drying is done.
When should you not pick stinging nettles?
Nettles are best when very tender, so pick them in the spring when the nettles are just coming up or later in the season when they’re growing well, but before they are flowering. Use rubber gloves or pinch the leaves hard, so you don’t get stung. Pick the young leaves from the tips.
How do you pick nettles?
Nettles are best when very tender, so pick in the spring when the nettles are just coming up or later in the season. Pick the young leaves from the tips. Use rubber gloves or pinch the leaves hard, so you don’t get stung. Once picked, lay the nettles out on a tray to wilt.
What to do with fresh stinging nettles?
Top 5 Ways to Use Stinging Nettles Top Your Pizza. Nettles are a great substitute for spinach or arugula for a pizza topping. Nettle Pesto. Swap basil for nettles in your favorite pesto recipe for a delicious and nutrient packed dish. Saute’ with Garlic. Add to Soup. Nettle Infusion.
What can you do with stinging nettles?
Stinging nettle ointments are often used to ease osteoarthritis symptoms. The dried leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a delicious herbal tea, while its leaves, stem and roots can be cooked and added to soups, stews, smoothies and stir-frys.
How do you prepare nettle for eating?
How to Cook Stinging Nettles First, blanch them. Heat up a big pot of salted, boiling water. Then, without touching the nettles, dump them directly from the bag into the pot. Drain and cook. Drain the nettles in a colander and squeeze out all of the excess moisture. At this point, they are ready to handle.
Can you eat stinging nettles raw?
It might seem a bit scary, but fresh nettles can be eaten raw. But be cautious and be sure to neutralize the formic acid that can sting you. Use your teeth, blender, mortar and pestle, or juicer to crush nettle leaves and eliminate their sting. Try using fresh nettles the next time you make a green juice or smoothie.
How do you use dried nettle leaves?
The dried leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a delicious herbal tea, while its leaves, stem and roots can be cooked and added to soups, stews, smoothies and stir-frys. However, avoid eating fresh leaves, as their barbs can cause irritation. Currently, there is no recommended dosage for stinging nettle products.
How do you pick nettles without gloves?
Choose a leaf near the top of the plant, where they are smaller and less likely to brush against you from above. Then, approach the leaf from the direction the hairs are growing, pinch it firmly, and twist it off. To learn how to treat nettle stings as well as to harvest nettles for food, keep reading!.
How do you make dried nettle tea?
How to make nettle tea with dried nettle leaf Pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of nettle leaf. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain out nettle. Serve.
How do you process stinging nettle root?
Dig outside the foliage area and under the plant at least a foot (31 cm.) to get the roots without damaging them. Once you have your roots, thoroughly clean them in fresh water. Change the water several times and use a vegetable brush to help remove all the grime. Chop the roots into small pieces.
Can you harvest nettles after they flower?
Once nettles flower and set seed, most sources say they are too bitter to eat and that the leaves become stringy and gritty with calcium oxalate. Harvest just the flower tops for culinary purposes this time of year.
How do you eat stinging nettle?
Stinging nettle can substitute for spinach in any cooked recipe (they lose their sting when cooked). You can add them to lasagna, make pasta with them, throw them in soups or stews, etc. Online recipes abound. My favorite ways to eat nettles are: a simple saute, steamed on top of sauteed veggies or a raw pesto.
Can you cook with dried nettle?
When you thoroughly dry or dehydrate stinging nettle it loses its sting. I use dried stinging nettle for making tea. It can also be turned into powder to add to smoothies, soups, desserts or other dishes where a nutrient rich dark green look is desirable.
Can I use fresh nettles for tea?
Put the nettles in a large saucepan with 4 cups of water and add the sugar or honey. Put the pan on the hob and bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Taste the tea and add any more sugar if needed. Serve in mugs with a nettle for decoration.
Can I eat nettle leaves?
Stinging nettle can be eaten on its own or as an ingredient in foods. Nettle leaves must first be cooked or steamed to destroy the hairs on them, which contain a number of irritating chemicals. Most medicinal uses of stinging nettle use more of the plant than you would typically eat.
