Some people are afraid of nettles as a result of being stung by them as a child, but did you know they are a superfood? By learning more about plants, identifying them, cooking and eating them we develop a deeper connection with them and break the stigma that is unfairly attached to them. These delicious fritters are easy to make and create a delicious campfire cooked meal.
Here are some super facts about our native, abundant yet humble nettle:
*Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including vitamins:
Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium
Fats: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid
Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins and other flavonoids
Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin and other carotenoidsWhat’s more, many of these nutrients act as antioxidants inside your body.
*Stinging nettles may help prevent and treat hay fever!
* Stinging Nettles may reduce inflammation.
* Stinging Nettles may reduce blood pressure.
Whilst using this nature activity to inspire learning, know you are helping you and your family's wellbeing like this:
1) Get Active - Take yourself outdoors to source your nettles and wild garlic locally and not chemically sprayed wherever possible.
2) Keep Learning - Use this activity to help you learn about the nettle and wild garlic plants that are considered weeds, yet have vital and important role to play in nature, and can add greatly to our own dietary wellbeing. Follow the video as those weeds go from source to kitchen to stomach. If you want to grow some wild garlic for your kitchen purposes - know that it spreads fast so consider a pot to try and contain it. As for nettles if you are lucky enough to have a garden space then consider allowing them a place to root where they won't cause harm - the young fresh leaves are the tastiest.
3) Be Mindful - sometimes when picking the nettles you will get the occasional sting, take a moment to notice how that feels on the skin, what reactions are happening for you in your body and mind. Family often take their cues on how to respond to stimuli from their parents, consider how your reaction may impact on your family. It is not to say a nettle sting is not pleasant but being mindful of how we react and educating family may save their relationship with this potent plant.
4) Practice Kindness - If you are able, consider making a few extra to share with neighbours, many of whom may never have eaten nettles or wild garlic in their life
.5) Think Community -share any changes you made to the recipe that you felt worked for your family
.#wildgarlicandnettlefritters #familyactivity #childactivity #family #kids #wellbeing #kidsactivity #nature #familyfun #cookingwithweeds #wildcooking #cooking #nettles #wildgarlic #foraging #foragedfood