I've heard of eating stinging nettles before but never had the opportunity to collect some at our old house in Nashville (I imagine they were growing abundantly, but I every time I tried to test out whether something was nettles or not, I never got "stung" so couldn't quite find them!). But here in Banja Luka they appear to be in season. There were bags of them all over the market today so it seemed a good bargain for one KM (our money: konvertible mark= about $.66). I decided to give it a try, much to my family's dismay:). Kind of funny to buy food that's dangerous. I believe it also makes good tea so I might try that too. I
They are just a type of green that grows wild here and in the US. If you touch them, they leave a "sting" which is formic acid, same stuff that fire ants poison you with when they bite. It doesn't last long (B's already been stung!), a day maybe usually, but it can be longer sometimes. I avoided getting stung when cooking, but I was a bit nervous. When you cook them, somehow it gets rid of the formic acid. Would probably be a good homeschool chemistry lesson to find out!
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Amy Thompson
4/9/2013 11:20:49 pm
I admire what adventerous eaters you are!
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Jennifer Wagar
Currently, my husband and 7 children and I are living in Banja Luka Bosnia on an adventure following after Jesus and desiring to be on a path that glorifies God and brings others to Him. I'm pretty simple. I love photography and books, coffee and tea, and of course, chocolate. I am trying to understand life and how it looks for us in a totally new place. I am finding that process provides a whole lot of laughter when we allow it.