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Edible parts
- Young leaves (top 4-6 leaves)
- Young shoots in spring
Recognition
- Heart-shaped, deeply toothed leaves
- Fine stinging hairs on leaves and stem
- Square stem, opposite leaf pairs
- Height 60-150 cm
- Small green hanging flowers
Preparation tips
- Always cook or blanch — sting disappears with heat
- Excellent spinach substitute
- Soup, pesto, tea from dried leaves
- Wear gloves when picking!
Dangerous lookalikes
- Dead Nettle (Lamium) — resembles nettle BUT has no stinging hairs
Medicinal use
- Iron-rich — good for anaemia
- Diuretic, helps kidneys
- Tea for joint pain and hayfever
- External use: stimulate hair growth
Never eat a plant you can't identify with certainty. If in doubt, leave it.
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