I’ve spent the last few months trying to use up the various jams, chutney’s, various alcohol drinks and still have a freezer full of berries. March has arrived, the daffodils are blooming, the sun occasionally shines so it’s time to go out a see what new foraging options are available.
One of the main foraging ingredients I missed out on trying last year was nettles. They are all around me in London, and Hampstead Heath is covered in their young little green leaves. These are the best ones to pick as they are not as bitter as the older, darker, and larger ones further into the season. There is a fantastic article on Brighthub that talks about the health benefits of Nettle Tea.
I haven’t got round to trying many of these recipes and ideas yet, but we did make nettle pesto last night to go with pasta. Our guests seemed to really enjoy it without any unwanted side effects thus far. The recipe I used can be found here, and it really was simple. I would have put up pictures, but it was knocked back so quickly and it looks just like any other regular pesto.
I will update this blog as and when I make more nettle recipes in the coming weeks.
Foraginglondon's Blog 