Nettles don't deserve their bad reputation.

Benefits

Nettle is a readily available plant because, by its very nature, it follows human settlements, feeding primarily on nitrogen. This chemical element is abundant in sewage, so for millennia, nettles have thrived wherever huts and stilt houses once stood. Its easy availability has allowed humans to study it in depth, highlighting its extraordinary culinary and therapeutic benefits. One of its beneficial effects, for example, is the treatment of urinary tract inflammation. The leaves of this plant are used, especially those from the freshest buds of each plant. Older ones, in fact, can be fibrous and often bitter. They are harvested between late February and early June, but the best buds are ready in March, when the plants are only a few centimeters tall. Remember, however, to always use gloves. One of the most common uses of nettle is in decoctions, which have a mild laxative effect, useful for those suffering from constipation. In general, nettle is a very important anti-anemic, despite its low iron content. It also has antioxidant properties, which are provided by the abundant presence of vitamins E, A, C, and K. It promotes the activation of sex hormones and has a remineralizing effect, thanks to the presence of electrolytes and mineral salts. And, if that weren't enough, it's also an excellent digestive aid because it contains significant amounts of secretin, which promotes the formation of gastric juices, which contribute to improving digestion. Finally, optics is considered very effective against Hair loss, brittle nails, and rheumatism, and stimulates the immune system. Thanks to its polyphenols and rich mineral content, nettle is an excellent tonic and helps eliminate acids and waste products from the body.

How to heal yourself with nettle

Behind l'hostile appearance, you know that thenettle irritates the skin on contact, this plant It hides extraordinary health benefits. Its leaves harbor properties that are truly important for our body, making it a valuable vegetable for those who want to treat minor ailments naturally. To discover all its benefits, enjoy them at the table with some excellent recipes, we got help from Ciro Vestita who wrote a very useful book entitled Healing with herbs (Bur editions).

Use in the kitchen

Nettle is excellent for preparing risotto But it's also appreciated raw, added to mixed salads. The leaves of this plant, in fact, soon after being picked, completely lose the stinging properties that have earned it the bad reputation it carries. To eat it, just wash it thoroughly, seasoning it with a drop of oil extra virgin olive oil.

• Nettle meatballsAdd potatoes and you have a fantastic vegetarian dish.
• Nettle creamA toning dish to combat physical fatigue.
• Pasta withnettle. L'ideal is  with  the cannellini beans.
• Nettle flanA very pleasant appetizer.

Nettle soup

One of the best ways to bring nettle to the table is inside aexcellent soupHere's how to prepare it for 4 people:

Ingredients

• 800 g of young nettle leaves
• 2 shallots
• White onion 1
• 1 carrot
• 1 of celery
• 1 tomato
• 1 bunch of basil
• 1 walnut butter
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Mixed peppercorns (pink, green, white, black) to taste
• Salt to taste

Preparation

• First you need to prepare the vegetable brothAfter dicing the carrot, celery, and onion, and halving the tomato, place everything in 2 liters of cold water with the basil and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat; cover the pot and cook for an hour.
• Then put the knob of butter, a spoonful of oil and the chopped shallots in a pan and sauté for a few minutes.
• Add the nettle, mixing well with a wooden spoon, and cook for 20-25 minutes, adding the vegetable stock little by little.
• Add the cornstarch and mix carefully, so that no lumps form.
• Stir until the soup is thick enough.
• Season with salt, drizzle with the remaining oil and serve piping hot.

What is nettle water used for?

• Protected by gloves, cut  with  of the shears the plants of nettle, before full flowering and without roots
• Once a kilo of has been collected nettle, immerse it in liters of water. Use a plastic container or, even better, a wooden barrel.
• Keep the container in a warm, sunny place and stir the liquid that is forming every two or three days.
• After three days you will have an anti-parasitic liquid, after six days a fertilizer
• Filter  with  a fine mesh strainer and collect the liquid in a bucket
• Store for a maximum of three days
• Use on the entire plant as a pesticide, applying it early in the morning or after sunset; in moist soil as a fertilizer.

Nettle herbal tea

Ingredients

• Two teaspoons of dried nettle leaves
• A cup of boiling water at 90 degrees

Preparation

• Leave to infuse for ten minutes
• Filter and drink

How it is preserved

Controindicazioni

Read also: