Frank Cook on Nettle As Wild Food

http://www.EatWeeds.co.uk - Herbalist Frank Cook, the internationally renowned edible wild plant expert, discusses the importance of Nettle (Urtica dioica) as food and medicine.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Frank Cook
• Nettle
• Stingling Nettle
• Urtica dioica
• Urtica
• Wild Food
• Foraging

[owlisEP]

How do you go about eating nettles casually ?

Or do you always have to boil them or ... Is there a way to eat them like a salad. So that i could just pick them and eat them ?

[eatweeds]

@owlisEP Pick them with gloves on and then chop up to the consistency of chopped parsley, but use a food processor with an 'S' blade.

[AGeNt7eVeN]

Is "Nettle" meaning stinging nettle?

[eatweeds]

Yes it does and I did list the Latin/Botanical name which is Urtica dioica. When you need to clarify which plant is being talked about, always ask the person for the Botanical name, that way there is little room for confusion.

And when we are all from different parts of the world, it makes it even more important. Hope that helps you.

[WOLFMANKAYLDOTNET]

@eatweeds Ok upon further research I see that I was wrong about uric acid. I got that from an herb book that was apparently mistaken. I am seldom wrong but I do appreciate being corrected when I am. I could do without the "fool" comment but I am glad to know that I was wrong about uric acid because I used to eat nettles like they were going out of style and I had stopped, now I can resume it.

[eatweeds]

@WOLFMANKAYLDOTNET Well I was pretty pissed with your off the cuff remark about Frank, which is why I deleted your original comment. Yes he looks like a hippy, but so what? His knowledge of plants made him highly respected in mainsteram academic botanical circles as well as within counter-culture. Plants teach diversity in life, and so it is with with humans, we all belong to different tribes. Some of those tribes 'appear' very different to us, but that is the nature of diversity.

[eatweeds]

@WOLFMANKAYLDOTNET I apologise for my 'fool' comment, an "in the heat of the moment". Many attack Frank, mainly because his 'look' challenges them. As the old saying goes. "Angels come in many disguises". Thanks for your honesty. We've both leaned from this exchange it seems :-)

[flexystudio]

God bless him

[CeVoyageur]

such a rare human being.

[hollyannblss]

Speaking of angels coming in many disguises and further to the comment about "hey, folks, here I am" (nettle speaking), the fact that these weeds will grow in almost the most barren spaces and in spite of militant spraying, they also seem to be saying, "eat me and you, too will be strong and resilient"

[branni79]

what a great dude. not in it for money or fame, justwanted to share his skills and knowledge. the definition of humility for humanity. maybe the mears, gryhlls and strouds should pay attention and learn.

[branni79]

@owlisEP

dude just grab a handfull, make a small fire and wilt them over the flames and eat the leaves off the stalk. i personally think they taste better this way than any other and ive tried loads. no need for modern kit, just as nature intended native style! i hope this helps, enjoy. dave

[apensiil]

@owlisEP you can juice them. alone or with some herbs-fruits-vegetables.

[veracioushealthiness]

Love this guy!!!!!! :))

[tekknorat]

This guy is AWE-SOME.

[tekknorat]

@lindapittsburgh you can pick the fresh sprouts in the spring time, when they are about 1" tall, just wash them off the sand and dust an put into soup, with potatoes, carrots, some thickener, and boiled eggs....mmmmm absolutely delicious.