Dried stinging nettle

Dried stinging nettle leaf has a light herbal aroma and a grassy taste often compared with spinach and parsley, followed by mild bitterness

The fine hairs on fresh nettle cause its familiar sting, but the sting disappears once the leaves are dried

Nutritional properties: analyses of dried nettle leaves have identified calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium and zinc, along with protein, fiber, vitamin C and beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A, the amounts retained vary according to the crop and drying method

Traditional use: the European Medicines Agency recognizes the traditional use of nettle leaf preparations to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and to relieve minor joint pain

For a simple cup: pour 240 ml of boiling water over one to two teaspoons of dried nettle, cover, steep for five to ten minutes, then strain

For a blended drink: combine one tablespoon of nettle, one tablespoon of dried rosehips and one teaspoon of dried ginger with one liter of hot water, cover, steep for fifteen to thirty minutes, then strain and serve warm or chilled

For smoothies: grind the dried leaves into a fine powder, begin with half a teaspoon in a fruit or green smoothie, then blend thoroughly so no coarse pieces remain

For soups and broths: add one to two teaspoons during the final ten minutes of cooking, giving the leaves enough time to soften and spread their flavor through the liquid

For lentils and vegetable stews: crumble a small amount into the pot with the other dried herbs and allow it to soften during cooking

For pan-cooked vegetables: soak the leaves in warm water for five minutes, drain, then add them during the final few minutes of cooking

For nettle pesto: soak the dried leaves in warm water for five minutes, drain and squeeze out the excess water, then blend with olive oil, garlic and nuts or seeds, adding cheese if desired

For bread and savory baking: rehydrate the leaves in warm water for five minutes, drain well, then fold them into bread, biscuit or focaccia dough

For external use as a hair rinse: steep one tablespoon in 250 ml of hot water for ten minutes, leave it to cool, strain carefully and use fresh after shampooing

As with other dried botanicals, the color and size of the leaves may vary naturally from one lot to another