species of the week

just coming into season in the UK, stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are basically free superfood. packing in iron, omega-3, protein, potassium, manganese and calcium, plus vitamins A, C and K, they can be cooked like spinach or made into tea. both methods eliminates the stingy bit, which is caused by fine hairs called trichomes which deliver a mix of irritating chemicals

to harvest, obs wear gloves and go for the youngest, freshest looking leaves. make sure you do this in the spring, before they grow over a foot high and flower (as shown above) since after this nettles develop gritty particles which aren't safe to eat. make sure you pick them from places that for sure haven't been sprayed with chemicals and as with all wild foods only take what you need. happy hunting!