Nettle Tea

Nettle tea is a gentle, nourishing beverage that supports kidney health, boosts energy, and helps with allergies and inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh nettle leaves (or 1 tbsp dried nettles)
• 2 cups boiling water
• Honey or lemon (optional)

Instructions:

Place fresh or dried nettle leaves in a teapot or heatproof mug.

Pour boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 15 minutes.

Strain and sweeten with honey  - adding a squeeze of lemon and chilling makes a delicious chilled drink and you can even freeze a sweetened version of this to make ice lollies ( my daughter loves these! )

Nettle Soup

Mineral-rich nettle soup is perfect for springtime detoxing and boosting your iron levels.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups fresh nettle leaves
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or cream (optional)

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

Add potatoes and carrots, then pour in the vegetable broth.

Simmer until the vegetables are tender (about 15 minutes).

Add the nettle leaves and cook for another 5 minutes.

Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in the coconut milk or cream if using.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 Nettle Pesto

A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional pesto, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh nettle leaves (blanched for 1 minute and drained)
• 1/2 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

After blanching the nettles, squeeze out excess water.

In a food processor, blend nuts, cheese, garlic, and lemon juice.

Add nettles and pulse until combined.

Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Store in a sterilised jar in the fridge. Stir into pasta, soups and stews. Add to sandwiches and salad dressings.

Health Benefits of Nettles

• Supports Detoxification: Nettles help flush out toxins and support kidney and liver function.
• Rich in Iron: Excellent for combating fatigue and supporting healthy blood production.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Helps with conditions like arthritis, allergies, and skin irritation.
• Boosts Immunity: High in antioxidants and vitamins to strengthen the immune system.
• Promotes Healthy Hair & Skin: Nutrients in nettles support hair growth, reduce dandruff, and improve skin clarity.

Whether you sip them as a tea, enjoy them as a soup, or spread them on toast, nettles are super abundant and offer a free and delicious way to supercharge your health.