Nettles need to be thoroughly cleaned and de-stung before eating. To do this, the easiest method is blanching them in boiling water and rinsing them afterward, squeezing out the water before sautéing them or adding them into soups or stews.
What part of the stinging nettle do you eat?
People pick the roots, seeds, stems, young shoots and leaves of stinging nettle for food or medicinal use. Tall, mature plants can even be harvested for their long fibres which are ideal for making textiles or ropes. In this post, I focus on using the leaves and young, tender stems.
Can stinging nettle be eaten raw?
It’s the simplest way of getting nettle into your body, but you can also cook it into larger dishes or even apply it topically if you have a skin irritation. Because the stings have to remain firm to cause the irritation, cooking the leaf instantly makes them safe – don’t try to eat the leaf raw in a salad or anything.
Do you have to cook stinging nettles?
Nettles must be blanched to remove the sting, so any raw salads are out of the window. Instead, look to recipes which might include cooked spinach leaves – quiches, curries, soups and fish pies, and use as a substitute. The leaves have such big green flavours, they aren’t reliant on other ingredients.
When should you not eat stinging nettles?
Here’s just 4 times it is good not to pick nettles for food.
- Don’t pick Stinging Nettles when in Flower.
- Avoid polluted sites.
- Avoid when leave are tinged with purple.
- When you don’t have gloves or have lots of exposed skin.
- 26 comments on “When NOT to Eat Stinging Nettles”
What is the difference between nettles and stinging nettles?
Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these plants. Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today.
What are the side effects of stinging nettle?
It might cause diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach in some people. When applied to the skin: Stinging nettle is possibly safe. Touching the stinging nettle plant can cause skin irritation.
Is eating nettle good for you?
Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine. Studies suggest that it may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels — among other benefits.
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 are the health benefits of nettle?
Nettle leaf is a rich source of antioxidants, which are needed for reducing the number of free radicals in your system. Vitamin C, for instance, is a powerful aid to the immune system and may even provide protection against various types of cancer.
What does nettle taste like?
Stinging nettle tastes like mild spinach without the strong iron flavor. It’s green and grassy-tasting, not unlike other dark leafy plants, with a bit of a peppery bite, like arugula.
Are nettles good for arthritis?
Stinging nettle is an alternative remedy that people use for many reasons, including reducing arthritis pain and treating seasonal allergies.
Who should not drink nettle tea?
Pregnant people
Interactions. Pregnant people should not take nettle or drink nettle tea. Due to a lack of research, children under the age of 12 years should also avoid nettle. It is important that people with existing conditions and those who take certain medications speak with a healthcare professional before trying nettle.
When should you eat nettles?
Nettles are best eaten when tender so early to mid spring is when they’re at their seasonal best.
Does stinging nettle affect blood pressure?
Low blood pressure: Stinging nettle above ground parts might lower blood pressure. In theory, stinging nettle might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people prone to low blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, discuss stinging nettle with your healthcare provider before starting it.
Does nettle help with weight loss?
A high magnesium count is known for reducing bloating and water retention in the body. Furthermore, consuming just a cup of nettle tea each day can help you to lose some water weight.
Can you drink nettle tea everyday?
Drinking just one cup of nettle tea every day can improve your health!
Does nettle tea make you poop?
Nettle tea is also effective (one handful of leaves for one cup) because the plant stimulates bowel movements.
Is nettle good for kidneys?
Two published case studies by the herbalist Jonathan Treasure, M.N.I.M.H., R.H. (AHG) illustrate that nettle seed can be quite effective for lowering serum creatinine levels and reducing symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure. 23 Nettle seeds appear to also be hepatoprotective based on studies in rodents.
Is stinging nettle an anti-inflammatory?
Allergies:Stinging nettle leaf may be useful in reducing the symptoms of hay fever by acting as an anti-inflammatory. Some research has linked treatment with stinging nettle leaf to relief of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Is stinging nettle tea good for you?
The Bottom Line. Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine. Studies suggest that it may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels — among other benefits.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.