About the Recipe
This refreshing beverage combines the earthy goodness of nettle powder with the creamy richness of coconut milk. With a hint of aromatic cinnamon and a touch of vanilla, this iced latte is a delightful balance of flavors. Served over ice, it's the perfect companion on warm summer days, providing a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy the nourishing benefits of nettle in a convenient and refreshing iced latte form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or any milk)
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 teaspoon nettle powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Ice cubes
Instruction
1. In a glass or jar, add the nettle powder, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sweetener (if using). *
2. Pour a small amount of hot water into the glass and stir well to dissolve the ingredients and form a concentrated liquid.
3. Add the coconut milk to the glass and stir until well combined.
4. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
5. Fill a separate glass with ice cubes.
6. Pour the nettle latte mixture over the ice cubes and stir gently to cool and combine.
7. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
8. Serve and enjoy your refreshing iced nettle latte!
*Feel free to customize this recipe by adding additional powders or herbs of your choice. Optional additions that I like to include: matcha, spearmint, and/or mushroom powders.
Discussion
A few enriching nettle facts:
🌿Nettles are highly versatile. Not only do they offer rich nutrition and medicine, but they also play huge significant roles in their environments, in regenerative and organic agriculture, and more.
🌿Nettles grow worldwide but are found predominately in the Northern Hemisphere.
🌿Nettles are extremely nutrient dense. They are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins, trace minerals, and antioxidant polyphenolic compounds. They also have a really good amino acid concentration for a plant! (This dude really packs a punch!)
🌿Nettles are neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory.
🌿Nettle is commonly used for arthritis, inflammatory conditions, and allergies. They are also great for supporting reproductive systems in humans.
🌿Nettles are being looked at as a natural way to enrich foods such a breads, pastas, and other convenient food products.
🌿Nettles can be made into natural fertilizer and insecticides. Go alternative agricultural practice!
I could go on and on about Nettles…. I probably will knowing myself! Anyhoo- go look at all the awesome research being done on nettles!
* If getting out into the wild and foraging, be mindful of the sting, be mindful of where you are foraging (know the laws, the cleanliness of the area, and pay respects to the earth and plant). Don’t over harvest. Never take the first or the last. And most importantly- ID properly before harvesting or consuming.
**You don’t have to forage your own nettle to reap the benefits. Nettle products in various forms can be purchased ethically and sustainably online.
References & Resources:
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13659-023-00380-5
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165219
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5595-570X