Nettles: A Nourishing Green with Allergy-Fighting Power

While stinging nettles may have gained a notorious reputation for their painful sting, their edible and medicinal qualities often go unnoticed.

When prepared correctly, stinging nettles reveal their delicious and nutritious side.

Many wild "weeds" are unfairly dismissed as mere nuisances, but they actually offer a delightful culinary experience and often possess valuable medicinal properties.

For centuries, nettles have been cherished as a nourishing staple in indigenous traditions. These vibrant greens are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients, making them especially valuable during the time of year when young shoots can be found in the wild. Rich in minerals, vitamins A and C, nettles offer a natural boost to your well-being.

One remarkable benefit of nettles is their ability to reduce allergic reactions. With their anti-histamine effect, they can help alleviate symptoms associated with allergies. However, it's important to note that fresh nettles are called "Stinging Nettles" for a reason. The tiny hairs on their stems contain formic acid, which can cause a sting or rash on bare skin. If you're working with fresh nettles, be sure to use gloves and blanch them before consumption to neutralize their stinging effect.

In this recipe, we utilise dried nettle leaf, you can easily find nettle leaf in the bulk section of your local health food store. Or you can use fresh nettle too if you live near a green area, just be sure to use gloves.

RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1/2- 1 cup dried nettle leaves, depending on how strong you like it

• 2 cups boiling water

• Ice as needed

• 1 tbsp honey per serving, optional

• Juice of 1 fresh lemon, or a chunk of preserved lemon if you want to add probiotics!

• 500 ml sparkling water

Directions

1. In the 2 cup measuring cup, pour in 1/2 to 1 cup dried Nettle leaf

2. Pour 2 cups boiling water over Nettle leaf

3. Stir and steep for 5 minutes

4. Pour Nettle tea through strainer set over a jug or other large container. Press out as much liquid as possible, wait for it to cool first before you do this so you don’t burn.. Tea will be very dark in colour.

5. Add lemon to taste and stir.

6. Add honey if using and stir.

7. Pour Nettle-ade into ice-filled glasses.

8. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

9. You can also just drink the tea as it is without the lemon and sparkling water :-)