Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are one of the most cherished springtime wild harvest foods in Southeast Alaska. Not only do they offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids but they are also absolutely one of the most delicious wild edibles around. They taste something in between spinach and artichoke and are flavorful served as a simple side dish or in place of anything you would use spinach for. They appear in all kinds of creative ways on the plates of our Sea Wolf guests; from traditional uses in soups, pastas, risottos and pesto rubs for fish – to creative additions in breads and sauces.
Tune into the video below to see how Sea Wolf Chef Dave expertly explores an avalanche chute near Juneau to harvest stinging nettles and learn from him how to make a batch of tasty nettle pesto!
