Now’s The Time For Nettles!

OGC Visits Oshala Farm & Their Medicinal Magic!

Whether enjoyed culinarily or selected for their hefty list of health benefits, spring is prime time for consuming Nettles! OGC is proud to partner with Oshala Farm to source these organically grown nutrient-dense greens and recently jumped on the opportunity to visit farmers Elise and Jeff Higley in the field. 

Located in Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley, Oshala sits on over 100 acres of rich farmland that benefits from easy access to water, a boon in this region known for its high temps and arid climate. Environmentalists to their core, Elise and Jeff are committed to stringent growing practices that shun the use of plastic and strive for ecological balance in all that they do. 

Beyond their impressive drying facility, which on that day was scenting the air with an alluring aroma of chamomile, and past the acres of aromatic herbs and perennials the couple grows and sells to tea makers and supplement companies, are a few acres of cultivated Nettles.  

Oshala kicks off its growing season each year with these hand-harvested Nettles, which provide a welcome respite from the clutches of winter and essential income during leaner times! While their Nettles do extend into the fall, spring is when most people seek out these herbaceous greens. So with a few weeks left of spring, now’s the perfect time to introduce eaters to this healthful, versatile specialty item!

A hearty thank you to Elise, Jeff and the Oshala Farm crew for keeping OGC and our customers supplied with Nettles and for sharing their beautiful plant magic with their own community and beyond!