Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Wild foods, part two

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I harvested nettle tops today for a spring nettle tea. If you've never tried it before, it will surprise you. It's salty and briny and rich. I harvested quite a few nettles before being stung. The sting is mild, though, and goes away quickly. Don't let that deter you from this wonderful, mineral-rich wild food.
tend

Dandelion greens (foraged from the yard) make a delicious spring salad for lunch. Wash the greens well and dress simply with lemon juice, olive oil, and maple syrup.

Look around your yard this week and see if you can identify nettle and dandelion and try your hand at incorporating them into a simple, spring meal. Your body will thank you.

3 comments:

  1. I'd love to try the nettle tea. How did you prepare it Shari? Did you just put some nettle in boiling water?
    lucie777

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  2. yes. i put the nettle tops in a french press, poured in the boiling water and let steep for at least 10 minutes. then just push the plunger down and pour. if you don't have a french press. boil the nettles in a few cups of water. turn off heat. let steep and pour through a strainer.

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  3. I love the addition of maple syrup to a lemon juice and olive oil dressing. I bet those greens were fantabulous.

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