How to Dry Stinging Nettle and Store It

Learn how to dry stinging nettle. You’ve harvested your stinging nettle and now it’s time to start the drying process to store your harvest.

stinging nettle hanging to dry

Also Read: How to Harvest Stinging Nettle, How to Prepare and Use Stinging Nettle, How to Freeze Stinging Nettle

How to Dry Stinging Nettle

Step 1 – Wash Nettle

Put on a pair of gloves to dip and swish the nettles in a bowl of cold water, repeat in a fresh bowl of water, then drain.

Here’s a quick video showing you how to wash your freshly picked nettle without getting stung!

YouTube player

Step 2 – Pat Dry

Water droplets can cause dark spots or lead to mold. To prevent this remove surface moisture by rolling and patting nettles in a clean towel.

Step 3 – Hang to Dry or Use Dehydrator

Now you’re ready to dry your stinging nettle in the dehydrator or by air drying.

In a dehydrator…

  • Spread stems and leaves on the drying trays of a dehydrator. Set the temperature at its lowest setting (95°F or 35°C) and dry for 12 to 18 hours.
  • The stems will take longer to dry than the leaves, so always test them instead of the leaves to determine if the drying is done.
  • If you want, you can also separate the leaves and the stems and dry them separately.

To hang dry…

  • Gather 5-6 stems and tie together with kitchen string. To allow for good air circulation, do not tie too many stems together.
  • Label your bundles and hang in a clean, dry and dark place – or on your dining room light fixture!
  • Let them dry for 1-3 weeks, depending on size of bundles, humidity and maturity of the nettles. hanging nettle on chandelier - watermarked

Watch How to Dry Stinging Nettle

Here’s a quick video to show you how to dry stinging nettle.

YouTube player

How to Store Dried Stinging Nettle

To store your dried stinging nettle, keep the leaves and stems in big pieces to retain as much flavor and essential oils as possible.

Store in paper bags or glass jars (avoid plastic bags as they may lead to condensation).

Store in a cool, dark, dry place where temperatures are consistent.

Use within 6-12 months. It will be safe and last much longer than that, but the quality and nutritional properties will deteriorate.

How to Use Dried Nettle

I use dried nettle primarily for making herbal tea blends.

plate of herbs for tea blend
For this batch of Nature’s Vitalitea, I used nettle, anise hyssop, rose hips, chaga and a little cinnamon. I also mix nettle in with mint, lemon balm or other herbs from around the house.

Dried nettle can also be added to soups, stews or casseroles. It would make a healthy addition to any backcountry dehydrated meals as well. Remember, once it’s dried, it’s perfectly safe to use.

Finally, you can turn dried nettle into a powder. Use this powder in smoothies, baking, pasta (I mean in the noodles themselves!), spaetzle, soups, stews, etc.

Do you dry stinging nettle? What’s your favorite way of using it? Leave a comment below or reach me on Instagram @getgettys or Facebook @GettyStewart.HomeEconomist.

Getty Stewart is a Professional Home Economist, speaker, frequent media guest and writer dedicated to putting good food on tables and agendas. She is the author of several recipe books on enjoying and preserving fruit, Founder of Fruit Share, a mom and veggie gardener.

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Updated from the original post from May 2015.

4 Comments

  1. I’ve only used nettles for tea and in soup and stew. Never thought of mixing it with mint or lemon balm. Must try that.
    I used to hang them in the polytunnel but now I nearly always use the dehydrator

    1. When I have a big harvest, I still hang to dry, but for small batches I use the dehydrator, just like you!

  2. I’ve only used nettles for tea and in soup and stew. Never thought of mixing it with mint or lemon balm. Must try that

    1. Hi Jannie,
      I think you’ll love it! I mix dried nettle into a lot of homemade tea blends – fruit and nettle, giant hyssop and nettle, etc. Get all those great benefits from the nettle and delicious flavor from other herbs and add-ins. Enjoy!

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