How to Collect & Dry Nettles

Nettles are a useful plant and not just an annoying weed. The leaves of the stinging nettle supply a healthy cooked green similar to spinach, and you can brew the dried leaves and flowers into an herbal tea. All parts of the plant are edible, and dried nettle is used in a variety of herbal remedies. Harvesting the nettle without falling victim to its stinging spines can pose a challenge, but that's easily overcome by using protective gear when picking and handling the plant. The spines wither when cooked or dried, so they no longer pose a problem.

Gloves
Long sleeve shirt
Shears
Paper bag
Twine
Airtight container

Instructions

- 1
  Don a pair of heavy gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Tuck the shirt sleeves into your gloves so no bare skin is exposed as you harvest nettles.
- 2
  Grasp the nettle plant by the leaves, about halfway up from its base. With a pair of sharp scissors, cut through the stem just below the part of the plant you are holding.
- 3
  Place the nettle inside a large brown paper bag. Continue harvesting until the bag is about half full.
- 4
  Gather the top of the paper bag and wrap twine around it to keep the opening shut. Poke holes in the bag around the sides and in the bottom so air can freely circulate through the bag.
- 5
  Hang the bag in a warm, dry location by the twine. Dry the nettles for five to 10 days, or until they are completely dry and brittle.
- 6
  Crush the leaves and stems. Store them in a sealed, airtight container in a cool pantry until you are ready to use them.

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