I love Nettle!One of my most favourite ways to enjoy? Nettle Pesto! There are so many reasons to LOVE this herb. I LOVE missy Nettle!
Yes, I do. The abundance of this powerful plant,is one of nature's greatest gifts to us, and never more important during these stressful times!
Stinging nettles are probably the most nutritionally-dense plant on Mother Earth. Rich in
protein, trace minerals and vitamins, it has the ability to restore energy, working deep
within the body on our ‘zapped’ adrenal glands. Missy nettle has several ‘mechanisms of
action’ and can move her deep healing powers to all of the cells in our body.
That is, if we can EAT ENOUGH!!
Herbs can enhance our lives if we
Take the correct herb,
Take the best version of that herb
Take enough of that herb
Take it longer than we think is necessary.
In this case, the ‘trick’ is to ensure that we have nettle often. Make it a habit, to find ways to incorporate nourishing herbs like ‘Stinging Nettle” into our daily lives.
Remember: Pick the fresh nettles with care. That formic acid does sting!
In the spring, I collect fresh nettles, and enjoy them steamed, with a little butter added
and a dash of sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Any way that you would
prepare spinach or collards or Swiss chard, you can substitute with nettles.
Try this! It's SO good.
I make a delicious stir-fried dandelion greens dish, and, when possible, I add nettles to
the dandelions. Make an herbal paste ~ just leave out the cheese and whirrl up in your food processor like this recipe--- >
Just use your imagination and enjoy. You will love this WILD food. It's the best!!!
Packs a deep green nutritious punch! Yummy. Freeze excess in small tubs or ice cubes like I do!
Author Carol Little R.H.
Ingredients
1large bunch of fresh Dandelion leaves
2large handfuls of nettle leaves
2ozalmondsor nut of your choice
4ozparmesan cheesegrated
4ozOlive oilbest you can find!
Instructions
Directions
Place the greens into a pot of boiling water for a minute or so.
Strain into a colander in the sink and douse with cold water.
Put the greens into your food processor (or blender)
Add the nuts and the cheese.
Add enough olive oil to allow the machine to do it’s work.
When the mixture forms a paste-like consistency, add the remaining olive oil.
Pour the mixture into a large jar or container with lid.
Notes
I tend to use canning jars with good lids. Store in the fridge
NOTE: I also have made this pesto without the cheese. Then I pour into ice cube
trays and freeze overnight. I call this “herb paste”. Here's the herb paste recipe.
After frozen, the cubes go into a zip lock ‘labeled’ bag in my freezer. I add the cheese
when using later (or not!) Just as with nettle pesto, these herb paste cubes are ready to add to any soups, stews, sauces or stir-fries. They offer the additional nourishment of nettle in an easy-to-use
power-packed ‘cube’
For EVERY season, there's a way I use nettles. Nettle pesto is one of my faves but there are lots more!
I wrote about these ideas here
LEARN ABOUT:
Nettles in Port
Vinegar-infused Nettles
Nettles condiment -- packed with nutrition and taste!
Carol is a Registered Herbalist (R.H.) in Toronto with more than 30 years of experience helping women use herbs and Bach Flower Remedies to support their health naturally.
Through Studio Botanica, she works with clients locally and worldwide and have written extensively on herbal medicine for Vitality Magazine and the International Herb Association.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Dawn
Same as Raia here, only tea! But it's one of my favorites. Appreciate the info here, I see I need to consume more nettle.
I have so many nettles here and there in our garden that there really is no excuse for me not using them anymore. Thanks for the idea beyond just a cuppa tea!
Thanks for this post! I've been meaning to go hunting for some stinging nettle (apparently it's everywhere up here!) because I know it has so many great benefits! Now I feel more confident, and have one more reason to go!
Dawn
Same as Raia here, only tea! But it's one of my favorites. Appreciate the info here, I see I need to consume more nettle.
Shannon
I have so many nettles here and there in our garden that there really is no excuse for me not using them anymore. Thanks for the idea beyond just a cuppa tea!
Carol Little
Oh I am so jealous Shannon!! I am in Toronto (population 2million +) so I have my sources but they are not 'out the back door'!
Raia Todd
I've never made anything but tea with nettles. Great idea!
Kelsey
Thanks for this post! I've been meaning to go hunting for some stinging nettle (apparently it's everywhere up here!) because I know it has so many great benefits! Now I feel more confident, and have one more reason to go!
Vanessa
Interesting! Nettle leaf is so good for you!