BS: Advice on preparing nettles

Subject: RE: BS: Advice on preparing nettles
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Nov 11 - 08:28 AM

First you have to roll around in them naked playing and accordion or a tiple.

I read recently that nettle leaf is very good anti-inflammatory. Also read that rolling around naked as above was one way of treating rheumatoid pain.

I am not keen to try sauteed, souped or tea especially this time of year when they are old if still alive. I might look at health food shops and give capsules a go.

Subject: RE: BS: Advice on preparing nettles
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 03:54 AM

When we were kidss I remember a non-stinging nettle with a white flower. We used to suck on the white flower for a sweet taste.

long time ago - does that sort of thing still go on?

Subject: RE: BS: Advice on preparing nettles
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 11:04 AM

Al, the 'nettle' with the white flower is White Dead-nettle (Lamium album) - it is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) are in the Nettle Family (Urticaceae) - no surprise there then!

The common names for plants have no scientific basis and are just a bloody nuisance and a source of endless confusion!

Subject: RE: BS: Advice on preparing nettles
From: Raedwulf
Date: 20 Nov 11 - 05:47 PM

Shimrod is perfectly correct. On all points, really... ;-)

Nettles are very tasty, an excellent source of iron, and fabulous for the compost bin (provided they're not loaded with seed!). The time of year doesn't matter. As with many vegetables it's about the size / coarseness. If you cut them later in the year, take the nettle tops, the young leaves. The flavour, I usually describe as "tannic spinach". They certainly don't sting once cooked. If you really want to try them as a salad... :o ;-)