Nettle
Nettle is a distant mint relative, which makes it more of a herb than spice. But unlike mint, nettle is only safe to consume once it is processed into its dried form. Here's a brief overview of processed nettle:
Hydroponics of Nettle
Hydroponic cultivation of nettle is a rare practice, which implies a scarcity of data. But from the limited available resources, we can ascertain that the hydroponic cultivation of nettle requires the following things:
Hydroponic System
A slide bench hydroponic system is ideal for growing nettle shrub.
Temperature Requirement
Nettle is native to temperate climate zones where the temperature ranges between 26.6 °F to 64.4 °F.
Fertilizer
A 20kg/day dose of NPK fertilizer increases the height, thickness, and number of stems per plant. Moreover, the NPK fertilizer with a high nitrogen ratio promotes the vegetative growth of the plant. (Rutto, Ansar, & Brandt, 2012)
Nutritional Profile of Nettle
The number of nettle variants goes well above 50. But one of the most common varieties is stinging nettle. Its nutritional profile is as follows:
Carbohydrates and Proteins
Nettle is approximately 90% water. Consequently, that doesn't leave much room for macromolecules. (FoodData Central, 2018)
Minerals
Nettle is primarily rich in calcium. But there are also other minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Vitamins
Nettle contains a significant amount of riboflavin and niacin.
Health Benefits of Nettle
Antioxidant
In the leaves of nettle are embedded lots of phytochemicals, especially phylloxanthobilin. This phenolic phytochemical is much appreciated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (Karg, Doppler, & Schilling, 2021)
Chemistry of Nettle
Phenolic compounds lay down the foundation of nettle's biochemistry. Its roots alone have a vast phenolic profile consisting of 18 different compounds. (Otles & Yalcin, 2012)
Further detailed analysis of its chemical components reveals the presence of agglutinin, acetophenone, alkaloids, and xanthophyll.
Nettle is a healthy ingredient in culinary dishes, including soups, rice, smoothies, and other whole foods.
References
- FoodData Central. (2018, April 1). U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169819/nutrients
- Karg, C. A., Doppler, C., & Schilling, C. (2021, October). A yellow chlorophyll catabolite in leaves of Urtica dioica L.: An overlooked phytochemical that contributes to health benefits of stinging nettle. Food Chemistry, 359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129906
- Otles, S., & Yalcin, B. (2012). Phenolic Compounds Analysis of Root, Stalk, and Leaves of Nettle. Scientific World Journal. https://dx.doi.org/10.1100%2F2012%2F564367
- Rutto, L. K., Ansar, M.-S., & Brandt, M. (2012, December). Biomass Yield and Dry Matter Partitioning in Greenhouse-grown Stinging Nettle under Different Fertilization Regimes. American Society of Horticulture Science, 22(6). https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.22.6.751
Frequently asked questions
Which hydroponic system is best for nettle?
A slide bench hydroponic system is ideal for growing nettle shrub.
What temperature does nettle need?
Nettle is native to temperate climate zones where the temperature ranges between 26.6 °F to 64.4 °F.
What are the main health benefits of nettle?
Nettle leaves contain phytochemicals such as phylloxanthobilin, valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
