Think again, nettle is no longer a weed, it is now a key spring ingredient. Long judged because it stings, this plant invites itself into your meals for your greater good. Used in herbal medicine (alternative medicine that treats and prevents certain diseases and disorders through the use of plants), it adds greenery to your cakes or pies thanks to the recipes of France Bleu.
- Nettle Soup Recipe, by Marie-Reine Steiner, chef at the restaurant À l’Étoile d’Or in Pfaffenhoffen in the Grand Est region. The spring soup par excellence with a fine taste of nettles.
- Nettle cake recipe, by Régine Rossi Lagorce, food columnist on France Bleu Limousin. An original and simple savory cake, perfect for a picnic!
- Nettle pie recipe, by a listener from France Bleu Lorraine Nord. Spice up a classic dish of French cuisine.
Read also – Eat nettle, the queen plant for your health
In herbal medicine, nettle is mainly used as a dietary supplement to help irrigate the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract in case of inflammation. But, in cooking, it is best known for its protein content and its large amount of vitamins and mineral salts. Rich in vitamins C and A, iron, potassium and magnesium, this plant is a real contribution to your dishes.
How to relieve a nettle sting?
When you get stung by nettles, it creates itching and red patches. To relieve the sting, there are several methods, and it is important not to scratch! The most effective is to put the bitten area under cold water or saline solution to avoid scratching. It is also possible to remove stinging hairs with an adhesive strip. Otherwise, it is advisable to disinfect the bite area as soon as possible and use a soothing cream.