Stinging nettle and why it should be a part of your diet
Urtica dioica L., one of the most widespread weeds here (Belgium), easy to find and to identify. The full proof test just asks you to touch the plant, you will soon be sure. Nettle can be used for arthritis by hitting the spot with the plant. It injects uric acid into the skin.
In Celtic times, nettle was given to newlyweds on their first night as man and wife. They believed that if you “tickle” your bride in the right place she would get “in the mood”….
I will have none of that! but you can always lighten up my mood with a nice drink. Since nettle is coming to its picking end this is a great time to make something of it. Nettles are known to be very high on protein, calcium vitamin C and beta-carotene.
For those who show great bravery nettle can be eaten raw. If you leave them for half an hour after picking and extensively was them you should survive the salad. (maybe even pound them a little just to be safe)For those who wish not to end up with a swollen mouth this is the other option:
NETTLE BEER:
A lot of recipes talk about 1kg of fresh nettle tops but picking a kilo is a bit discouraging for me so I didn’t’ bother weighing my nettles. I just picked 1 very large bag full.
Wash extensively to get rid of any surprise guests and put it in a large cooking pot. Put water over it just so the nettles are under and let it boil. I added some ginger as well because I like the extra kick.
Boil for about 30 min (basically you are making a very strong nettle thee) then strain the whole thing and let it cool (do let it cool, the yeast will never work otherwise sais my voice of experience). Add sugar (if you have 5 liters add about 450 grams) and 2 tablespoons of dry bakers yeast (you can use fancy brew yeast if preferred, but I’m the basic type) Put it into your fermentation device of choice and leave it to do its magic for 4/5 days (or longer if your busy). Now put the beer into bottles (champagne or beer) and leave to set for another week. you’re done enjoy!
With the rest of the nettle you strained you can make soup OR! blend the whole thing up and add it to your favorite batter.
You could make nettle wraps, bread, pizza dough, pasta… the possibilities are endless.
Walk Pick Eat and ENJOY!
