Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) have been used for thousands of years for their nutritional and medicinal properties. Although considered by some to be a weed, nettles are a nutritious and delicious source of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, silica, iodine, sodium and sulfur. The lush green leaves are also high in Vitamin D, which is quite rare in the plant world.
The nettle family has more than 500 varieties growing worldwide – many of which grow in tropical climates. Nettles are also believed to be a potent source of protein – perhaps one of the richest protein sources in the plant world. Best of all, they grow wild and freely throughout most of the temperate and tropical world.
The Sting
Stinging Nettles, like the name suggestions, can give a nasty sting from the little hairs or bristles covering the plants. The bristles are hollow and act as needles that inject formic acid when they come into contact with skin. The Nettles Organization UK reports that, “Although formic acid is present in the sting, recent research has shown that the main chemicals are histamine, acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). A fourth ingredient has yet to be identified”. Nettles lose their sting once they have been cooked or exposed to hot water in teas. The severity of nettle sting varies country to country, so it is important to research nettle species in each country prior to harvesting nettles or consuming them.
A nettle species in Timor causes symptoms similar to lockjaw and another species in Java have proven lethal to some of its victims.
Growing Season
Nettles have two main growing and harvesting seasons in temperate climates – the spring and early fall. The bright green, juicy looking plants are easily identifiable by their distinct leaves, a growing pattern of two leaves on either side of the square, fibrous stalks and prickly, rash-inducing nettles. Usually nettles can be found in wettish locations without full sun.
Adventurous growers may consider cultivating a patch in their own garden. Nettles are believed to elevate the yield from nearby plants and Veggie Gardening Tips writes that nettles are also reputed to increase the oil content of medicinal and culinary herbs which grown nearby.
There are numerous ways to consume nettles. You can steam, boil or stir-fry nettles. They can be used in soups, teas, tinctures and tonics. There are references in various cookbooks to nettle ice-cream, cakes, scones and cookies.
Harvesting
Use heavy gloves and a pair of scissors to harvest the nettles. Cut the nettle leaf clusters off and place into a reusable bag. Make sure to avoid contact with the skin, as nettles will give a nasty rash. In North America and the United Kingdom, nettles will cause a burning sensation for about 10-20 seconds and then usually an inflammation response. The sting of nettles is uncomfortable, but not lethal. A small sting is like a mosquito bite and falling into the nettles might feel similar to a bee sting. However, The Nettle Organization UK reports that a nettle species in Timor causes symptoms similar to lockjaw and another species in Java have proven lethal to some of its victims.
Eating
Nettles have a flavour similar to spinach when cooked. There are, however, numerous ways to consume nettles. You can steam, boil or stir-fry nettles. They can be used in soups, teas, tinctures and tonics. Nettles can be added to quiches, omelettes, frittatas, spinach pie, used as dressings, in cheeses and even as an ingredient in wine. There are references in various cookbooks to nettle ice-cream, cakes, scones and cookies.
Medicinal Uses
Nettles are a potent medicinal plant that is believed to aid with everything from blood detoxification, high blood pressure, haemorrhoids, gout, anaemia, poor circulation, depression, migraines, intestinal disorder, rashes, diarrhoea and for flushing impurities from the kidneys, bladder and liver. Nettles even have beauty applications including; use as a hair rinse, anti-dandruff shampoo and for skin problems such as rashes, acne and eczema.
Green Pages
The annual Nettle Eating Championships are held each July in Dorset, England. The contestants eat as many raw nettles as possible in an hour: http://www.thebottleinn.co.uk/
Be Nice to Nettles Week 13 - 24 May 2009 works to raise awareness about the importance of nettles for local butterfly populations and the numerous nutritious benefits of this much-maligned plant: http://www.nettles.org.uk/
The Salt Spring Island Seed Company in western Canada sells nettle teas: http://www.saltspringseeds.com/
The North Cumberland Cheese Company in the UK makes a nettle cheese that is very popular with the locals: http://www.northumberlandcheese.co.uk/
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