Content
- Tips and tricks for harvesting nettle
- Harvest time: May to September
- Occurrence of stinging nettle
- What can you harvest and how does it taste?
- Picking without having burning wheals afterwards
- Process after harvest
- Tips
It is essential to wear gloves when harvesting stinging nettles
Tips and tricks for harvesting nettle
Who does not know them, the stinging nettle? It is considered to be curative, is rich in nutrients, a good pointer plant and has been processed as manure and used proven as fertilizer and pesticides. But how do you harvest them?
Next article Attach and install nettle manureHarvest time: May to September
The harvest season extends from April / May to September. Depending on when the first strong frost occurs, nettles can be harvested into November. The flowers are present from July to September, whereas the seeds are ripe from late September / early October.
Occurrence of stinging nettle
Stinging nettles are often found near forest edges, in waters, on meadows and generally in partially shaded locations. They are a nitrogen indicator or indicate a high nutrient content of the soil.
What can you harvest and how does it taste?
All plant parts of the stinging nettle are edible (and healthy). Mostly the leaves and seeds are harvested. The seeds taste mildly nutty and the leaves have a sweet, earthy taste, which in the cooked state reminds of spinach.
The young shoots are best suited for harvesting. They are less rich in nitrate than the older parts. The roots can be harvested from the 2nd year. Only then are they big enough so that their harvest is worthwhile.
Picking without having burning wheals afterwards
On top of the hairs is a 'head' filled with silica. This triggers a touch when touched. In addition, itching wheals develop. Therefore, you should always wear gloves when harvesting. Thin fabric gloves are not enough. Thick knitted gloves or leathery garden gloves are more suitable for picking or cutting the shoots.
Process after harvest
After harvesting, the nettles should be processed or used quickly. Otherwise, their flavors and active ingredients evaporate. Stinging nettles are fresh or dried among others for:
Tips
If the nettles are already blooming, harvesting the leaves is less recommended. The taste then less good and are slightly fibrous.