Nettle – the warrior herb + soup recipe

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Stinging Nettle is one of the most misunderstood herbs but it has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times.
Its leaves and roots provide a wide variety of nutrients, including:

  • Vitamins: Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins
  • Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium
  • Fats: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid
  • Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids
  • Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins and other flavonoids
  • Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin and other carotenoids

Springtime is the best time to enjoy this herb. All nutrients and goodness that were stored in its roots over the winter are now ready to be gathered and used for drinking (teas, infused water), eating (soups, stews, spreads, pesto), soaking, hair wash and more. And it is great for wildlife too :-)
Stinging nettle can be collected throughout the year, but only the young leaves are good later in the year. Best time for its collection is before it puts all the strength into the flowers. You may cut nettles back and have another fresh growth later in the year.

Springtime is also the best time to collect and dry the leaves and stems for tasty teas during cold rainy days in autumn and winter.

You may have a little patch in your garden or gather in nature away from traffic and other pollution.

Delicious Garden Pea Soup with Nettles recipe:

Ingredients:
garden peas
stinging nettles
potato
onion/leek
garlic
salt, pepper, lemon
vegetable bouillon (optional)

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1. Chop some leek or/and onion, little fry using good quality oil.
2. Add cut potato, water and bouillon (optional)

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3. Cook until potato is soft
4. Wash the nettles, chop them lightly, add them to the pot together with chopped garlic and about 2/3 of the amount of the garden peas
5. Reduce heat and simmer lightly only for a minute or two not to destroy the goodness from the nettles and garlic and keeping the peas light green. Blend the soup a smooth texture, add some water if needed and season with salt, pepper and lemon to your liking
6. Add remaining 1/3 of peas to give the soup some texture
Enjoy 

Source:
personal experience and recipe
www.eatweeds.co.uk/stinging-nettle-urtica-dioica
www.healthline.com/nutrition/stinging-nettle

 

Summary
Article Name
Nettle - the warrior herb + soup recipe
Description
Stinging Nettle is one of the most misunderstood herbs but it has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times. Its leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients. Enjoy it especially during springtime. Recipe included.
Author
Publisher Name
Walking The Path
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