nettles

[scouser4life]

Just picked some nettles and soem of the leaves have puple underneath. Why is this and are they safe to eat? I picked them with the stems to speed it up, would i need to take the stems off or can they be eaten to?

Any suggestions for a recipe?

 

[Matt Weir]

They sound like they are getting on a bit SFL. It's better to go for the younger leaves on new grow shoots and tops.

I made nettle curry last year - just follow the recipe for spinach. In fact you van use nettles as a spinach substitute in any recipe.

 

[leon-b]

we done this last night, pick the youngest leaves from the top of the nettle, boil up some potato's and sausages and add some salt. boil for about 15 - 20 mins and then add the nettles. cook for 5 more minutes and it should be done
very tasty
leon

 

[janiepopps]

Funnily enough I made my first nettle soup last night - really lovely flavour. If the stems are tough & a bit woody best to take them off, but if youre blending them up in a recipe it doesnt really matter too much.

There are some great ideas & recipies on here http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=18515&highlight=stinging

Tell us how you get on

j

 

[scouser4life]

Well ive made it, just got to eat it now Not really one for foraging and this is probly my full meal from the outdoor. Lets hope i can eat it with out getting paranoid and feeling off It contains nettles, ham, sausage and egg

 

[leon-b]

honestly its really nice
leon

 

[scouser4life]

Its ok, gets better as you go on

 

[match]

The thing which puzzled me for ages is that nettle soup that isn't blended tastes kinda watery and uninteresting.

I've since been informed that it was traditionally whisked with a whisk made of birch twigs or similar until finely shredded - I haven't had a chance to try this properly, but if the stems are stripped off and discarded, and the leaves well-boiled til soft, a standard balloon whisk will reduce the leaves to a pretty good texture (and improves the flavour no end).

 

[Callan]

A bit off subject but can you use wild garlic as a subsitute for real garlic?

 

[spamel]

I can't see why not, I use young Ramson leaves, finely chopped with mayonnaise to make egg mayo sarnies! I also put hedge garlic/Jack by the hedge leaves into sarnies.


I like sarnies!