Stinging nettles don't have a particularly good reputation. They are known for their burning, itching, and wheal-causing hairs. But that shouldn't be a reason not to harvest them - after all, they convince with their high content of vital substances. But how does picking go properly without 'burning' yourself?

A pair of good, thick gardening gloves will protect your hands from "burning" when picking nettles

Better to cut off the entire stem

Picking the individual nettle leaves is less effective. It is better to cut off the entire plant at the bottom. But if you don't want to destroy the whole plant, detailed work is also possible.

First, put on a pair of leather gloves or heavy gardening gloves. Cheap fabric gloves are not enough here. The stinging hairs of the stinging nettle easily penetrate through these. Then take a pair of scissors or a knife, grab the plant with one hand and cut the stem with the other hand.

Pick without gloves

Nettles don't always burn. Anyone who dares can try it without gloves and does not necessarily have to reckon with wheals afterwards. Here’s how it works: Pick the leaves, stroking them from bottom to top.

Better to cover free skin areas

Warning: Make sure you are not wearing shorts/dresses or skirts! Even sandals are not unsuitable for picking nettles. You can also burn yourself on the exposed skin if you brush past the stinging nettles.

Where and when can you pick nettle plant parts?

  • Occurrence: In gardens, on the edges of forests, on meadows, on river banks
  • Where not to pick?: Along roads, on screes (nettles are polluted there)
  • Best harvest period: May to June

Process the plant parts quickly after picking

Irrespective of whether you have harvested whole stalks, individual leaves, only the upper young shoot tips, inflorescences or seeds - after harvesting, parts of the plant should be used or processed quickly. For example, you can dry them, freeze them, use them fresh for spinach or cook other recipes with them.

tips

If you have 'burned' yourself on the stinging nettle: Reassure yourself that the burning acid helps against rheumatism. You can relieve the itching and burning by applying aloe vera gel to the affected areas.

Category:

Herbs