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Nettles for Spring
Nettles (Urtica dioica) were used widely by the ancient people all over the world as a spring tonic, among other things. Tea made from the young, tender leaves stimulates the kidneys, purifies the blood, and is chock full of calcium, Vitamin C, and iron. Steep two teaspoons in a cup of boiled water for about 10 minutes and take 1/4 cup four times a day but not with meals. It works best when taken by itself.
A teaspoon of fresh nettle juice taken three times a day in a glass of water aids digestion. A growth-encouraging hair tonic can be made from the juice or the tea, rubbed into the scalp after shampooing. Lady Ridley's Nettle Soup Ingredients: 1 lb potatoes ½ lb young nettles 2 oz butter 1½ pts chicken or vegetable stock sea salt & black pepper 4 tablespoons sour cream Method: Cook the peeled, chopped potatoes for 10 mins in salted water. Drain. Wash & chop coarsely the nettles (Only pick the new, young tops,using gloves!) Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the nettles and stew gently for a few minutes. Add the potatoes and heated stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes or until tender. When all is soft, cool slightly & purée in a blender, adding seasoning and the sour cream. I like to add a little grated nutmeg and reheat the soup just before serving. http://www.nettles.org.uk/nettles/activities/nettlesoup.asp Be Nice to Nettles Week Nettle Cornbread Quick breads are a delicious way to bring wild greens into the diet. The oregano and onion complement the nettle resulting in a savory, nutritious bread for a light meal. Start with ingredients at room temperature. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease 10” cast iron skillet with oil of choice and set in oven to heat. Mix together: -¾ cup all-purpose flour (can be any part whole wheat) -2-½ teaspoons baking powder -1/3-cup sweetener…sugar of choice, (we like maple syrup which is included in the wet ingredients below) -½ teaspoon salt -½ cup dried nettle leaf Add: -1 ¼ cups cornmeal (part coarse adds texture) Beat in separate bowl: -1 egg -2-3 tablespoons melted butter, olive oil or pan drippings -1-cup fresh goat milk (any milk will do) -2 tablespoons shallot or red onion -2 tablespoons chopped fresh Greek oregano Add wet ingredients to dry and combine with rapid strokes. Pour batter into the pre-heated skillet. Bake ½ hour or until done. The skillet gives the bread a crusty finish on the edges. from Ravencroft gardens at Kitchen Gardeners International http://www.kitchengardeners.org Be sure to wear gloves when picking nettles. Pick the youngest, tenderest leaves. Avoid foraging for nettles by roadsides or other polluted areas and if possible choose a patch that grows where dogs don't "go." Wash the leaves well before using in a recipe. soup image courtesy of journeyfolki.org |
Courtyard
~ Table of Contents ~
Feverfew
Lavender Ladybugs Thyme Bay Laurel Mint Answers to Spring Equinox Quix Dandelion for Spring Tonic Fiddleheads Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: THE SACRED OAK Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: VERVAIN Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08: MARIGOLDS AND MAIDENS Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08: THE CHARM OF IVY Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: GREEN WHEAT EARS Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: FLAX BLOSSOMS Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08 - GARLIC Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: EGLANTINE Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: Magical Fern Seeds Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: BOX SPRIGS Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: APPLE Holly Crocus Brighid's Imbolc Garden Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: Hawthorn Cure for Fairy Stroke Cure for ElfShot Cure for Flea Infestation Cure for Giggling Fits Hemorrhoid Remedy Flatulence Itching Love Spell Cure Warts & Carbuncles |
