first nettle test...

thomasgreen · Sun Apr 27, 2008 8:13 pm

so i've just been out, got some nettles, steamed them and tried them... they are disgusting

how disapointing!! i've just found some lilies out in the woods though, how exciting!!

red · Post: # 99175Post **red** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 8:27 pm

thats what i found

but people do say flavour can vary.

yesterday I picked some to start nettle beer (first attempt at it) and tasted the leaves after the cooking bit and they were much nicer than my first try...so I might have to give it another go.

thomasgreen · Sun Apr 27, 2008 8:37 pm

yeah maybe i'll pick certain sizes/types/colourings ansd see what i like?? problem is, i found they tasted like green tea... which i don't like much at all

Sky · Post: # 99184Post **Sky** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:00 pm

Maybe just pick the young tender tips?
I remember eating them as a child and they tasted ok.
We have trouble finding nettles here, I'm wanting to make nettle wine but haven't found any flipping nettles yet!

eccentric_emma · Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:19 pm

i like nettle tea. i guess you could dry some out and have it as tea throughout the year. but then again if you dont like green tea....how about mixing it with mint?

thomasgreen · Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:22 pm

now there is an idea, i have quite alot of mint planted in an old toilet6 in my garden :) i'll go get some ypung netle leaves tomorrow! ta

DifferentDrummer · Sun Apr 27, 2008 10:32 pm

I love nettles myself.
Sky is right about just the young tops.
If you're not vegan try picking a bowl full of tops, pouring boiling water over (which in theory de-stings them, but I never bother) chop well, then stir in an egg, and fry small dollops.
Lovely !

thomasgreen · Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:13 am

cor that's an idea! we are off on an adventure hike to seek wonderful wilds today so i'll give it ago tonight

Post: # 99272Post **MKG** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 9:54 am

Watched a - wotsisname (wild food and survival bloke) proggy last night. He simply scorched the nettles over a fire. He said that they tasted wonderful, but then he likes Witchety Grubs.

Silver Ether · Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:07 pm

MKG wrote:Watched a - wotsisname (wild food and survival bloke) proggy last night. He simply scorched the nettles over a fire. He said that they tasted wonderful, but then he likes Witchety Grubs.

if your talking about bear grilles ... he is nuts ...

what gets me is he does all this stuff but no one mentions the camera man !!!!

Nettles are great ...

just been foraging for some so gotto make some soup ... and I got ransoms

grahoom · Post: # 99320Post **grahoom** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:23 pm

nettle pesto - lovely stuff.

mrsflibble · Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:32 pm

I love nettle soup, but it makes my throat and tongue swell so it's not just the venom I'm allergic to aparently.

kimmie · Post: # 99362Post **kimmie** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:39 pm

Nettle soup is lovely!!
I also like nettles as a replacement for spinach...after cooking stir in a nob of butter, and a little herb and serve!!
Dont waste the water you cook them in though! it makes a brilliant hair rinse and gives your hair a lovely shine!!

red · Post: # 99412Post **red** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:26 pm

I cooked nettles before and they were horrible.. really earthy tasting. but today I made soup and its good! - just picking the very tips of new nettles.. think that is the answer.

Hedgehogpie · Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:10 am

If you're feeling brave, try raw nettle tips. Pinch off the top few clusters of leaves, roll gently between your finger tips (crushes the stings rendering them harmless) then eat. They taste green and pleasantly nutty which I personally like.

Obviously, I wouldn't recommend trying this if you get any kind of allergic reaction like the one mrsflibble has though.