How to make dandelion and stinging nettle tea

Did you know you can make dandelion tea and stinging nettle tea from items you find in the wild?

How to dry stinging nettles to make stinging nettle tea

Stinging nettle tea is a delicious herbal beverage that has long been used for its many health benefits. From helping to reduce inflammation to providing vitamins and minerals, nettle tea is an excellent addition to your diet. All you need is two tablespoons of dried stinging nettle leaves and one cup of boiling water.

• Harvest the stinging nettles on a sunny day. Wear gloves when harvesting to avoid getting stung.
• Place the stinging nettles in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Place the baking sheet in a warm, dry place, such as a sunny spot, for three to five days until the nettles are completely dry. Keep turning them every few hours to ensure they get evenly dry.
• Once the nettles are dry, transfer them to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and store them in a cool, dry place.

How to make stinging nettle tea

• Place the nettle leaves in a tea ball or strainer (or something like the fabric from an old pair of tights) and put it in a cup or mug.
• Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the tea ball or strainer and discard the leaves.
• Enjoy your stinging nettle tea!

Tips:

– If you want to sweeten your tea, you can add a teaspoon of honey or sugar.

– You can also add a few slices of lemon or lime for a tangy flavour.

– For a stronger flavour, you can steep the leaves for longer or use more nettle leaves.

– If you’re using fresh nettle leaves, you can lightly steam them before adding them to your tea.

Further ideas and options for making nettle tea …

How to dry dandelions to make dandelion tea

Dandelion tea is made from the dried leaves, flowers, and roots of the dandelion plant, which is a powerful antioxidant and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Making your own dandelion tea is easy and can be enjoyed as a hot or cold beverage.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of dried dandelion leaves
• 2 tablespoons of dried dandelion root
• 2 tablespoons of dried dandelion flowers
• 2 cups of water

How to dry freshly picked dandelion to make dandelion tea

1. Gently wash the freshly picked dandelion flowers and leaves in cold water.
2. Spread the dandelion flowers and leaves on a clean dish towel or paper towels and pat dry.
3. Spread the flowers and leaves on to something like a baking sheet in a sunny spot.
4. Leave the flowers and leaves to dry for 1-2 days, turning them over every few hours to ensure even drying.
5. When the flowers and leaves are completely dry, store them in an airtight container.
6. Once cooled, transfer the dried dandelion to an airtight container.

How to make dandelion tea

1. Combine the dried dandelion leaves, root, and flowers in a heat-safe bowl.
2. Bring the two cups of water to a boil in a pot on the stove.
3. Carefully pour the boiling water over the dried dandelion mixture and cover the bowl with a lid.
4. Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a mug or cup, discarding the solids.
6. Enjoy your hot dandelion tea as is or sweeten with honey or lemon.
7. Alternatively, you can chill the tea in the refrigerator and enjoy it cold.

Further ideas and options for making dandelion tea.