They creep up on you in the garden – last week there were none, now there is a healthy patch of nettles looking like they own the place. However, now is the time to get them – literally nip them in the bud – as they are tender and full of nutrients at this time of year, but their sting is also particularly fiesty.
A nettle stir fry is a great way to help control the weed, while also being incredibly good for you. Nettle greens are a rich source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, cobalt, copper, potassium, trace minerals, chlorophyll, the B-complex vitamins, and more – and we should all be eating more of them. They help with hayfever (used as a tea) and have a huge range of health benefits.
Harvest the tops with gloves and use them instead of spinach. They are delicious stir fried with garlic, soy and toasted sesame, or sauteed in butter with lemon juice.