I’ve just collected some lovely fresh young nettle leaves ready to make a jug full of iced summer breeze. That’s the name I’ve christened my nettle, lemon, mint and ice drink. Now that the sun is finally making its heat felt, I thought I’d rustle up this lovely non-alcoholic tipple to put some zing back after a long day’s digging, foraging and cooking. Nettles are renowned for amazing health benefits so I grab a big glass jug and add two good handfuls of ice, then add some fresh mint (about five chopped leaves), then a halved lemon or lime (and its juice), two dessert spoons of organic honey, and then the wonderful chopped nettle leaves (young ones only as the older ones can be a little tough). After a rigorous stir I simply pour into a long glass and enjoy (or if I can resist temptation, I’ll leave it in the fridge to develop even more flavour). What a thirst quencher and so good on a hot day! Did you know? Nettles are bursting with nutrients: including vitamin C, B vitamins, Vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, phytonutrients and a tiny amount of Omega 3 fats. A cup of cooked nettles has nearly 430mg of calcium – nearly half the recommended daily intake - a cup of milk only has around 300mg!
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