Who doesn't know the nettle? It is considered medicinal, rich in nutrients, a good indicator plant and has proven itself to be processed as manure and used as a fertilizer and pesticide. But how do you harvest them?
How do you harvest nettles correctly?
To harvest nettles properly, you should pick between May and September, wear gloves and prefer young shoots. Plant parts that can be harvested are leaves, seeds and, from the second year onwards, the roots, which are suitable for tea, spinach or as fertilizer.
Harvest time: May to September
The harvest season extends from April/May to September. Depending on when the first heavy frost occurs, nettles can be harvested until November. The flowers are present from July to September, whereas the seeds are ripe from late September/early October.
Occurrence of nettle
Stinging nettles are often found on the edges of forests, on bodies of water, in meadows and generally in partially shaded locations. They are a nitrogen indicator or indicate a high nutrient content in the soil.
What can you harvest and how does it taste?
All parts of the nettle plant are edible (and he althy). Most often the leaves and seeds are harvested. The seeds taste mildly nutty and the leaves have a sweet, earthy taste that is reminiscent of spinach when cooked.
The young shoots are best suited for harvesting. They are less rich in nitrates than the older parts. The roots can be harvested from the second year onwards. Only then are they big enough to make their harvest worthwhile.
Picking without having burning hives afterwards
On the tip of the hairs there is a 'head' that is filled with silica. This causes a burning sensation when touched. Itchy hives also develop. Therefore, you should always wear gloves when harvesting. Thin cloth gloves are not enough. Thick knitted gloves (€9.00 on Amazon) or leathery gardening gloves are better for picking or cutting off the shoots.
Process after harvest
After harvesting, the nettles should be processed or used quickly. Otherwise, their aromas and active ingredients will evaporate. Stinging nettles are suitable fresh or dried for:
- Manure
- Tea
- Spinach
- Smoothies
- Soups
- Juices
- Food for pets such as rabbits, chickens, ducks
Tip
If the nettles are already blooming, harvesting the leaves is less recommended. They then taste less good and are slightly fibrous.
