A much overlooked foragable plant, Stinging Nettles can be a good subsitiute for many recipes calling for green leaves.
When young, the whole plant can be cut and used, minus the roots. As Stinging Nettles mature, pick only the young tops of the leaves. Once the plant begins to flower – stop. Don’t use – as this is the stage when nettles start producing calcium carbonate which can interfer with kidney function.
Only the young leaves are of any real value to the forager.
These are good when gently wilted in a pan – less so if boiled.
However, the plant has many other utilitarian uses including clothing from the stem fibers.
Spring is the best time for nettles, before they flower. However, here we have another cut and come again species. If nettles are cut back, they’ll keep producing fresh growth right through until autumn.
Stinging Nettles are a common feature in our hedgerows, gardens, woods and wasteland.
