A friend of mine was telling me the animal totems he most identifies with. I realized in that conversation that a nature entity I identify with are Nettles. I am not sure if that is good or bad, but it is kinda true. Tasty, nutritious, abundant, likes riparian zones, superfood, medicinal, and wild. And of course stingy from time to time. It is possible to pick nettles barehanded but it is very important to be aware when you do it. Here I am with Kirk picking Nettles barehanded in my secret nettle spot on a beautiful day. Picking food in the wild is high on my top favorite things to do.
Here is a nice Nettle tea recipe:
Nettles-Mint Tea
1 Tbsp fresh or dried nettles and mint to each cup boiling water OR ½ cup nettles-mint mixture to each quart boiling water. Best made 24 hours ahead so it can steep (infuse) for maximum potency. Serve sweetened or unsweetened, hot or cold.