WILD HIGHLAND NETTLES

Ah, the nettle plant, nature's way of reminding us that beauty often comes with a sting. Growing in wild patches, nestled amidst the verdant landscape of the Scottish Highlands, this prickly perennial has earned itself a notorious reputation, thanks to its unforgiving sting. But fear not, dear reader, for beneath those stinging bristles lies a world of culinary and medicinal wonders waiting to be explored.

Firstly, let's talk cooking. Despite its prickly demeanor, the nettle is a culinary chameleon, capable of transforming into delectable dishes fit for the most discerning palate. One such delicacy is the famed Cream of Nettle Soup, a hearty concoction that warms the soul and tingles the taste buds. Here's a recipe to tickle your culinary fancy: 

Cream of Nettle Soup:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh nettle leaves (handle with care!)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 potato, cooked and diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by donning your most impenetrable gloves and harvesting about 4 cups of fresh nettle leaves. Remember, the sting is real, so handle with care!
2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until golden brown.
3. Add the nettle leaves to the pot and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in the broth and add the diced cooked potato. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, until the potato is tender.
5. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
7. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then ladle into bowls and serve piping hot. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for a touch of elegance.

Now, onto the skin-saving properties of the nettle. Despite its reputation as a prickly pest, nettle leaves are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can work wonders for the skin, particularly for those battling the dreaded eczema. When brewed into a soothing tea or infused into a calming salve, nettle can help alleviate inflammation and itching associated with eczema, providing much-needed relief for troubled skin. So, the next time you find yourself at odds with a patch of nettles, remember that beneath the sting lies a secret weapon for skincare woes.In conclusion, the nettle plant may be prickly by nature, but its culinary and medicinal prowess knows no bounds. From soup to skincare, this humble herb has earned its rightful place in the pantheon of Highland flora.

macSoap uses our hand harvested wild organic Highland nettles in soaps, salves, shampoo bars & clay face masks.