Stinging nettles grow huge in no time at all, and really need to be controlled or will become invasive. And the bigger they get the bigger the stings! I’m a wine drinker so haven’t ever made nettle, or any other, beer. However, I did try it a few years ago. Although it had the yeasty, ale type of flavour, it didn’t taste like a regular type of beer made with hops. It did look like beer – the right colour and a foamy white head, and it was a pleasantly refreshing drink. So, if you have lots of nettles and feel like doing something different, this recipe is for you.
Nettle Beer
Something different to do with Stinging Nettles.
Ingredients
- 11 cups young nettle leaves
- 11 cups water
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 4 tsp cream of tartar
- 5 mint leaves
- 2 lemons
- 30 g sliced fresh ginger
- 2 tsp orange rind grated
- 20 g fresh yeast
Instructions
- Boil the nettles in the water for 15 minutes.
- Chop the lemon with the rind, crush the mint leaves and combine with the sugar, cream of tartar, ginger and orange rind.
- Strain the nettles and pour the water over the lemon mixture.
- Cool it to 37 C and then add the yeast. Stand in a warm place for 24 hours and then skim, strain and pour into screw top bottles. Leave to stand for 2-3 days before using.