Ignoring the threatening trespassers will be prosecuted sign, we drove along the muddy track to get to this hidden valley. I knew there would be nettles here, but I didn't expect so many. The lush young leaves growing under the pine trees were the best. The nettles growing along the track in the sunshine had started to seed and they're not so nice to eat. If they start to rattle they're no good, a local youngster recently told me, referring to the sound the seeds make as you brush past the plants.
Armed with rubber gloves and scissors we picked a load then headed home. Nettle pesto or nettle risotto? I'm not sure yet. But if you blanch and freeze the leaves, you'll have enough nettles to see you through until you make your mind up. Whatever you chose it will be delicious.
An after school activity of the very best kind, trespassing, picking weeds that sting and helping with dinner. I am such a good mum. I think we'll back in March to pick the autumn flush.
PS. We did actually have the owner's permission to pick his weeds, I would never advise ignoring those signs around these parts.
I have never had nettles. What do they taste like ?
ReplyDeleteJust like a mild spinach really, Reannon. My kids don't eat basil pesto - too strong but they love nettle pesto as it's so mild.
DeleteLovely Michelle! Beautiful pictures of your nettle adventure. I love Hugo's t-shirt too! Whatever you make with them I am sure will be delicious. My children do not like basil pesto either for the same reason. The milder nettle version sounds perfect :)
ReplyDeleteYes, that tshirt is very cute. Elsa and Hugo both have one, they loved it so much. I get a lot of their clothes from Boden in the UK such good quality and their sales are really great.
DeleteI don't put garlic in the nettle pesto, I use Ro Anderson's recipe, so it's lovely and mild and nutritious!
I love nettle pesto!!! We pick it from beside our shearing shed at the end of August, before it sets to seed... What a treat to find a stash like you have... Your pictures of your adventure as simply gorgeous. Thanks for sharing..
ReplyDeleteTake Care... :)
Thank you Jodie, nettles from the shearing shed sound like the perfect place to grow. x
DeleteThis is well up my street, maybe we'll go nettle picking this weekend. Nettle risotto would go down well here, I think... Thanks for sharing! Holly.x
ReplyDeleteYou should totally do it. And nettle risotto is delicious. But you do need to pick A LOT. It's like spinach and shrinks when you cook it.
DeleteOh, I had a chuckle reading your final note about having permission - I had just been thinking that I'm such a chicken when it comes to *possibly* gettin into trouble! Gorgeous post, what a beautiful way to spend the afternoon with your two. X
ReplyDeleteI'll have to keep my eye open for nettles while out and about.
ReplyDeleteBoth the pesto and risotto sound amazing. x
I had no idea you could eat nettles! To me they have always been something to avoid at all costs. I'm off to do some Googling! :-)
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