Hi Westi, I wasn't thinking of promoting it - more like if someone already has a problem with it they can harvest it for people to eat.
Do you know what "Stravaig" means? "To wander aimlessly" and it's that "wandering" that results in finding out some interesting things.
I discovered today that anise is of the same family as carrots.
Colin, oh yes, nettles are edible and still eaten in modern times, especially in soup. I guess you could use them instead of spinach in, say, a spinach and ricotta lasagne. I would love to try cooking with nettles but have never found a source that wasn't polluted by exhaust fumes or dog/cat pee. Just take care to wear gloves when you pick the nettles.
River Cottage has a recipe
https://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/nettle-soup
So does BBCGoodFood
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/nettle-soup
Apparently they're best eaten before they flower in llate May. Better get your skates on!
There are a few British exparts on food history. Ivan Day is the first to spring to mind.
https://www.schoolofartisanfood.org/our ... s/ivan-day
Dr Annie Gray is another
http://www.anniegray.co.uk/
I'm just about to make second breakfast of bacon and eggs on crumpets. I had a quick aimless wander to find out the history of that but got some very conflicting information. Must try again when I have more time.