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Tuesday, 10 June 2014

... and Dried Nettle Tea

I've realised that it must be nearly summer as a lot of my recent posts have been garden related.... and here's another on making your own dried nettle tea!
After seeing all the nettles growing on my allotment, I was determined to find a good use for them. So after a quick Pinterest search I found this recipe by Fat of the Land and, channelling my inner Tom and Barbara, set about drying nettles!
After harvesting them, I gave them a good wash....
... then hung in bundles to dry on the washing line (I think my neighbours now think I've finally lost the plot!). I moved them inside and left them hanging for about a week, until they were completely dry and crispy.
I then picked off the leaves and gave them a good whizz in a food processor and used a glass airtight jar for storage.
To make the tea, I left some of the leaves to steep, strained and then it was ready to drink!
The idea of drinking stinging nettles was a strange concept, but I can confirm that after being in hot water they definitely loose their sting!!
The taste is... umm different... but definitely not unpleasant. I've made a big jar though, so I'd better get used to it I suppose! Perhaps a squeeze of lemon would work? What do you think?!

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10 comments:

  1. liniecat11 June 2014 at 08:14

    Hope you used the water to dye some fabric with too? lol
    A touch of honey and lemon does make a difference and I think its considered cleansing and a dieuretic?
    No reason theycant be added in to soups too you know!

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    1. Craftysiany12 June 2014 at 22:17

      What a fantastic idea to dye some fabric - I will defo be giving that a go! Will try and persevere with the tea too ;) x

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  2. Ecomum12 June 2014 at 22:45

    I dry orange peel, (just scrape off the pith first), then store it with the nettles. A couple of small pieces in a cupful helps to stop the slightly metallic tang that you get with nettles.

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    1. Craftysiany18 June 2014 at 22:15

      Thanks for the tip - I'll give it a go!! x

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  3. Lilly's Mom16 June 2014 at 18:50

    This is such a interesting idea. Making your own herbal tea! It reminds me of the show I watch, "Venetia in Kyoto" where she makes lots of tisanes from the herbs in her garden.

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    1. Craftysiany18 June 2014 at 22:16

      I've not heard of that show... but certainly sounds interesting!! x

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  4. Jan17 June 2014 at 22:54

    Oooo I have lots of nettles in my garden at the moment, this may be just the thing. :)

    Jan x

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  5. Lucy Blossom18 June 2014 at 12:00

    Not sure I'd be brave enough to try it, but what a great way to transform an annoying weed.

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    1. Craftysiany18 June 2014 at 22:18

      I think it may be an 'acquired' taste ;) But still something fun to try! x

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