The Best Food In The World, Stinging Nettle

[Joseph Bronson]

Nettles are rich not only in minerals (as a source of iron, they exceed spinach), but also in vitamin C.  Only young nettles should be gathered to eat, for in late summer they start to flower and at that point it is time to leave the nettles alone.  When dried all kinds of livestock eat them avidly and thrive on them. Cows give more and richer milk and hens lay more eggs when powedered nettle leaves are added to their mash,  the eggs will have a  higher food value.  Turkeys fatten and baby chicks grow faster when this nutritious food is added to their rations.   So, add some green nettles to your diet today. Go for a hike and search for some stinging Nettle. Make a yummy cup of tea with it or put some in a 4 court mason jar with some cold filtered water. Let it set for a few hours, strain and drink. Steamed stinging nettle with organic balsamic vinegar is tasty! Use it like you would cooked spinach. When you collect Nettle wear gloves to gather a quantity of nettle tops. You could dry them out and add to your bulk herbs. I feed nettle to our farm animals to! Here is a tasty treat to make, Creamed Nettle: Wash the nettle and shake off excess water. Strip off leaves and place in a pot with two tablespoons of butter. Simmer over a low flame, stirring gently from time to time so all will be coated and cook equally. As juices start to flow, add seasonings of choice. When thoroughly cooked and tender, strain. Reheat the leaves, stirring in a little more butter and some organic cream. Make sure the cream is not ultra pasteurized! The addition of a few chopped chives, garlic chives shallots, leeks or spring onions will make this an incredible meal!

If you lightly touch a nettle,

It will sting you for your pains.  

But grasp it, like a lad of mettle--

Soft as silk it will remain.

Poem from County Cavan, Ireland 

[Cathe Frederic]

and nettle contains up to 40 percent protein!

[Victoria Pich]

I was eating recently at The Blue Goat restaurant in Amity. They have many local and some organic foods. I ate a beet salad with stinging nettle pesto, and it was delicious. I would like to get a plant. Any suggestions? I've never seen them in a nursery :).