Nettle (Urtica Urens) is a so called weed. People are not aware that the plant has many benefits. It can be used as a supplement, soup, vegetable. Sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry eat the plant too.
Using nettle.
Nettle can be easily found on nitrite rich ground. It's often next to a manure pile, a canal or where the ground is disturbed. To collect the nettle it's recommended to use gloves. Nettle can sting as we all know!
Collecting it as an vegetable.
Nettle will shrink allot when cooked as a vegetable. So you need allot! The easiest way to collect the leave is to strip the branches by hand. You rip off the top 20 centimeters and than you strip of the leaves. Than you pull off the top and next. Collect all the leaves in a big box you need allot! A half kilo is enough for a family per meal. After washing them you steam or boil them shortly. Than you make blocks of it that you can put in the freezer. It's the perfect alternative for spinach.
Making tea.
Making tea is easier you collect a whole bunch of nettle and tie it together. Now you hang it upside down in the sun or another warm place. When it's dry the leaves will very easily crush. Now you got tea. The tea is tasty when you mix it with mint.
Health
Nettle has much nutrients. It has a high iron content, calcium, kalium and caroteen. It contains the vitamines A, B, C, D and K. It's even used in shampoo and supplements. In The Netherlands we even make cheese from nettle!