Why? Because you can! And pickle, and jam, or otherwise celebrate the resurgence of the domestic arts our forebears held so dear. Put on your best apron and step into our kitchen, won't you?
This is made from both stinging nettle and wild ramps, resulting in a pesto that is addictive and delicious. It's also dairy free, although of course you can use dairy instead. This is my favourite way of eating nettle!
Avoid needing the touch method to positively identify stinging nettle. How to identify and safely harvest... plus a recipe for a really tasty first course of stinging nettles with polenta.
Probably the most nutritious green growing in our area, nettles are often overlooked as an ingredient in local, seasonal cooking. Just be sure to wear protective clothing, and you can help yourself to all you want of this remarkable spring vegetable.
I have seen a lot of good things in my back yard lately. I decided to just go take some photos of the wild edibles there, so I could show you. Who knows? Maybe you’ll see some familiar plants and find some food or medicine in your own back yard.
One of my favorite things to do with stinging nettles is to turn them into a dip. And my favorite flavors to combine them with are roasted garlic and fresh mint, along with some tangy Greek yogurt. This is easy to make, and so fresh & versatile.
If you think that gathering stinging nettles is not your cup of tea, I hope to change your mind. Nettles are one of the first things that can be foraged, at the first sign of spring, and they are extremely plentiful. Even kids can join in!
This is how I made a really tasty wild nettles beer with foraged stinging nettles and a wild culture. It was pretty simple, and came out like a nice IPA!
Native Americans as well as the Scottish discovered that stinging nettle can be used instead of stomach enzymes to make an very herbal softer to semi-hard cheese like a feta or gouda. Coexist with stinging nettles and make cheese!