In Scandinavia, it’s a common rite of Spring to go outside as the ground begins to thaw and to harvest the first fresh nettle leaves. Stinging nettles are so prized, in fact, that they’ve been actively cultivated in Sweden; at this time of year, they’re readily available in Scandinavian grocery stores. Nutrient-rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, calcium, potassium, histamines, and serotonin, nettles provide winter-weary bodies with a burst of healthy chemicals.

Once harvested and prepared, they can be substituted, in the same proportions, in any cooked dish where you'd use fresh spinach: soups, stews, pasta dishes, frittatas (but don't add them to a fresh salad!). Try them in your own favorite spinach recipes or celebrate Spring by preparing Swedish Nettle Soup (Nässelsoppa).

Hint: If your family are cynics or slow to warm to new foods, let them think they're eating spinach. Otherwise they'll look at you like you're offering them pufferfish ...

Nettle image ©2008 Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com.