Nettles on the menu

A couple weeks ago Jeremy showed up with a rather large bundle on the back of his bike.





It was full of stinging nettles he'd picked at a park near where he works.

So... we got to work picking off all the leaves and trying to avoid stinging ourselves.



Then we boiled them in batches for just a minute or so each (which takes out the sting) and packaged them up for the freezer.



Why stinging nettles!? you ask? Well, stinging nettle leaves are actually quite high in nutrients (such as vitamins A, C, D, iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium) and can be used in place of spinach or other greens in many recipes. We made a nettle quiche a few weeks ago that was fabulous.
You can also soak the leaves in water for 24 hours then use the water as an organic pesticide.

And it's just growing out there - everywhere - free for you to pick! Just don't forget your rubber gloves...