How to Dry and Prepare a Nettle Harvest

Drying

• 1

  Cut each stalk close to the ground with a sharp pair of scissors or a knife.

• 2

  Gather three to five stalks in a bundle and tie each bundle with a piece of string.

• 3

  Hang the nettle stalks in a place that receives plenty of air circulation. Space out the bundles so that they do not touch each other.

• 4

  Allow the bundles to completely dry, which typically takes five to seven days. Dried stalks will be crispy, with no moisture.

• 5

  Take down the bundles and strip off the leaves. Store the leaves in airtight containers, such as tins.

Preparation

• 6

  Boil 2/3 cup of water for each serving of tea you wish to brew.

• 7

  Measure 3 to 4 tsp. of dried nettle leaves per serving, as recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Place each serving in a mug.

• 8

  Pour the boiling water into the mugs, dividing evenly.

• 9

  Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes.

• 10

  Strain the tea by pouring it through a tea strainer or a cheesecloth.