National Be Nice to Nettles Week - 16th to 27th May

Nettles have got a bad reputation known in the main for their formidable sting! However did you know that the nettle is one of the most important plants for wildlife in the UK?

Recent research has revealed the cause of the sting to be from three chemicals – a histamine that irritates the skin, acetylcholine which causes a burning sensation and serotonin, that encourages the other two chemicals.

The power of the sting actually makes the nettle’s leaves a haven for over forty species of insect, defending them against grazing animals. Nettle patches are also host to swarms of aphids a great source of food for ladybirds and birds in early spring.

Stinging nettle leaves are tasty and full of nutrients - lovely in tea and soup. Hooray for the humble, yet ferocious nettle. For more info on all things nettle-y see www.nettles.org.uk.
Be nice to nettles - we are.

Lady Ridley's Nettle Soup

Why not try Lady Ridley's nettle soup recipe? Let us know what you think or tell us your own favourite nettle recipe.

Ingredients:

1 lb potatoes
½ lb young nettles
2 oz butter
1½ pts chicken or vegetable stock
sea salt & black pepper
4 tablespoons sour cream

Method:

Cook the peeled, chopped potatoes for 10 mins in salted water. Drain.

Wash & chop coarsely the nettles (Only pick the new, young tops,using gloves!)

Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the nettles and stew gently for a few minutes. Add the potatoes and heated stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes or until tender.

When all is soft, cool slightly & purée in a blender, adding seasoning and the sour cream.

I hope you enjoy the nettle soup. The hardest work is picking the nettles. Half a pound is a lot of small leaves, but it is fun to do, in season, once a year.

THE VISCOUNTESS RIDLEY