Fava Bean and Nettle Hummus Recipe

Apr 2, 2024
Freeze-dried Nettle and Fava Bean Hummus

Introduction

Welcome Spring with Our Nettle and Fava Bean Hummus! 


As the fresh days of spring unfold, our Nettle and Fava Bean Hummus offers a perfect way to celebrate the season's theme of awakening and renewal. This unique recipe pairs the tender, green flavors of spring fava beans with the nutrient-rich, earthy notes of nettle, creating a sophisticated dip that is as nutritious as it is delicious.


Fava beans bring a burst of buttery texture and mild, nutty flavor that blends seamlessly with the distinctive taste of nettle, known for its health-enhancing properties and history as a traditional Spring tonic. This combination provides a lush, creamy base with a wealth of vitamins and minerals.


Ideal for a light spring lunch, a healthy snack, or as an elegant appetizer, this Nettle and Fava Bean Hummus is designed to delight with its fresh flavors and impressive nutritional profile. Embrace the spirit of the season with each delicious spoonful!

Fava Bean and Nettle Hummus

Welcome the rejuvenating energy of spring with a dip that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Our Nettle and Fava Bean Hummus blends the nutritional powerhouse of fava beans with the detoxifying properties of nettle, creating a healthful twist on a beloved classic. Fava beans, packed with protein and fiber, pair beautifully with nettle, renowned for its wealth of vitamins and minerals. This hummus is a treat for your taste buds and a boon for your overall health, supporting everything from immune function to vibrant skin. 

"Nourishing our body with plants is feeding our soul with vibrant energy of the Earth itself."

Ed Alstat ND

Fava Bean and Nettle Hummus

Fava Bean and Nettle Hummus

Prep time

10 minutes

Cook time

5 minutes

Servings

4

Category

Snack

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked fava beans (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon nettle powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh herbs, pink peppercorns, swirl of olive oil.

Instructions

    1. Prepare Fava Beans: If using fresh fava beans, blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water. Peel the tough outer skins off each bean. If using frozen fava beans, simply thaw and peel.
    2. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the peeled fava beans, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and nettle powder. Blend until smooth.
    3. Add Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
    4. Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with pink peppercorns and chopped herbs for garnish.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

At Eclectic Herb, we elevate the natural benefits of nettles through our advanced freeze-drying technique. This process preserves the vibrant color, intense flavor, and essential nutrients of the plant, ensuring you receive all the goodness of fresh herbs in a convenient powder form.


Our nettles are locally ethically wildcrafted right here in Oregon and immediately freeze-dried to give nettles as close as possible to those still growing out in the wild.

A Deep Dive into the Health Benefits of Nettles

Freeze-dried Nettles

Nettle, often overlooked as just another common weed, is in fact a secret superfood with a plethora of health benefits. Packed with nutrients, nettle offers more than just a sting; it serves as a natural pharmacy. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, nettle supports a range of bodily functions from reducing inflammation to enhancing blood circulation. Its ability to detoxify the body, bolster immune health, and improve metabolic efficiency makes it an invaluable addition to any health-conscious individual’s diet. 

  • Rich in Nutrients: Nettle is loaded with vitamins A, C, K, several B vitamins, and essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.

  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Compounds in nettle help reduce inflammation.

  • Supports Detoxification: Acts as a natural detoxifier, aiding in cleansing the body of toxins.

  • Boosts Immune System: High vitamin C content strengthens the immune system.

  • Improves Blood Circulation: Stimulates blood flow, enhancing overall cardiovascular health and supports healthy blood pressure.

  • Enhances Skin Health: Rich mix of nutrients can improve skin appearance.

  • Allergy Relief: Nettle is a natural antihistamine, effective in supporting seasonal allergies by reducing histamine production in response to allergens.


Why choose Eclectic Nettle Powder

Locally Sourced: Grown in Oregon's fertile valleys for peak freshness.

No Fillers: No sugars, fillers or preservatives

Sustainable Practices: Committed to eco-friendly farming and biodiversity.

"The secret to top quality nettles lies in locally wildcrafted plants and our fresh freeze-drying process."

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Conclusion

In conclusion, embracing the power of nettles through Eclectic Herb’s carefully crafted products is supporting a commitment to quality and sustainability. With our state-of-the-art freeze-drying process, we ensure that every scoop of nettle powder retains the natural potency and rich flavor of the freshly picked herb. Whenever you add it to a dish, you're not only enriching your diet with valuable nutrients but also supporting environmentally responsible practices. 

The Author : Christine Alstat

Chris Alstat is a naturopath and herbalist with Japanese heritage, known for her expertise in plant-based wellness and natural health. As the owner of Eclectic Herb, she provides exceptional, locally grown herbal supplements, marrying her passion for holistic health with environmental stewardship. In her downtime, Christine enjoys foraging, cooking, and crafting herbal remedies with her family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use nettle powder in my daily diet?

Absolutely! Our nettle powder is versatile and can be added to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods to enhance flavor and nutritional value.

How does freeze-drying differ from other drying methods?

Freeze-drying removes moisture from the black raspberries at low temperatures, which helps preserve the structure, nutritional content, and flavor of the fruit. Unlike heat drying, this process ensures that antioxidants and vitamins remain intact and highly potent.

What makes Oregon-grown nettles special?

Oregon's unique climate and fertile soil provide ideal growing conditions for nettles, resulting in plants that are more flavorful and nutrient-rich. Our local wildcrafting methods also prioritize the natural ecosystem, ensuring sustainable and responsible harvesting.

Where can I purchase Eclectic products?

Eclectic Herb products are available for purchase on our website, through various online retailers, and at select health food stores nationwide. 

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