Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant whose edible, medicinal, and utilitarian benefits typically surpass those of other wild species. In this video, we discuss all things stinging nettle — including proper identification, look-alikes, medicinal properties, and more!
You’re going to know more than you ever thought possible about these great plants.
Always wash them first. Just put on gloves and swirl them in water to rinse. If you’re going to cook with them, blanche in hot water and plunge in ice water or run under cold. Heat takes the dose out of the silica “stings.”
The Squirrel says: A great way to cook them is to clean, blanche and sauté the leaves so the moisture is driven off and then add oil or butter (a generous tablespoon per pound of leaves) and flavor to your own preference with salt, garlic, cheese, chilli flakes, etc.