Stinging Nettles!

[thingamybob]

Now it is early Spring no doubt everybody have seen the new sprouts of stinging nettles growing. Try them, if you like spinach as I do you will like them.

Pick only the new Spring growth with soft stems away from where dogs pee and please do wear some decent gloves to do this. give them a quick wash and treat them as you would spinach and cook them in their own juices. They take a bit longer to cook than spinach but taste very similar and they are for free. Just make sure you only pick the most tender parts as those that have become woody are of no use at all.

Don't worry about stinging your mouth as the sting is neutralised by cooking. When times were a bit hard in the late 40s and early 50s they were often eaten by country people. I believe they are full of iron and vitamin C. Also they were used in making beer at one time. 

 

[MauriceMynah]

Yes, I remember Watney's Stingo.

[Poppy]

Just now, MauriceMynah said:

Yes, I remember Watney's Stingo.

That was a Barley Wine, not brewed with nettles as far as  I know .

[thingamybob]

20 minutes ago, MauriceMynah said:

Yes, I remember Watney's Stingo.

MM. What are you like?      

[thingamybob]

17 minutes ago, Poppy said:

That was a Barley Wine, not brewed with nettles as far as  I know .

No, not brewed with nettles but it certainly had a sting in its tail. Probably it was the best thing that Grotneys ever brewed.