Most people rightly have negative memories of the painful burning sensation of nettle. The plant's stinging hairs cause redness and hives on the skin. In order to use the plant safely, the fine hairs should be completely removed.
How do you remove the stinging hairs from nettle?
The stinging hairs of the nettle are thoroughly removedwith a rolling pin. The leaves are placed on a kitchen board and processed with the kitchen tool. Warm water is a useful alternative to removing hair.
Why should you remove the stinging hairs from the nettle?
The stinging hairs of the nettle should be removed as they secrete apainful secretion. When you touch the plant, the heads of the small hairs break off. These contain a substance made from formic acid, histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and sodium formate. If the skin comes into contact with it, an itchy or burning rash occurs. The formation of small blisters is also a typical sign of a nettle burn. However, pain relievers quickly put an end to these negative side effects.
From which types of nettle do stinging hairs need to be removed?
If you want to eat the nettle, you should remove the small stinging hairsfrom all varieties These ultimately cause burning pain and also lead to unpleasant burns in the mouth. However, the most painful type of nettle is the “small nettle”. The special variety is also known under the names “Urtic urens” and “pus nettle”. It has a particularly high number of tiny stinging hairs. Therefore, make sure to thoroughly remove the annoying plant parts before consumption.
Do you have to remove the stinging hairs from the nettle before cooking?
Before cooking the nettles, you must remove the stinging hairsnot necessarily Due to the heat, the small hairs fall off on their own. The secretion also evaporates through cooking. If you process the nettles raw, you must remove the stinging hairs in advance. This is especially true if you want to use the plant as an ingredient in a salad. This measure prevents the occurrence of unpleasant side effects.
Tip
Make stinging hairs harmless by drying the nettle
When the nettle dries, the stinging hairs also lose their effectiveness. To do this, simply hang the plant upside down in a shady and dry location. Sieves or cloths are also suitable for drying the crop. This means that the nettle can be stored for a longer period of time. However, be sure to avoid drying in the sun. As a result, the medicinal herb loses its effect and burns.
