FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS, UNIVERSITY OF MARIBOR  

Drink Soup Side dish

ECOTROPHELIA SLOVENIA 2013 - GOLD

THE MODULE OF MENUS INTRODUCING NETTLE (TO SCHOOL INSTITUTIONS AND RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY)

A module of menus introducing nettle (to school institutions and residential homes for the elderly). Key factors in the development of the project were nettle, its healing properties, the range of its effects, the tradition of its usage in slovenian households, culinary delights associated with healthy foods, healthy nutrition and the public sector.

Nettle is a herb that cleanses our body of toxins, speeds up our metabolism, drains water from the body and helps with rheumatic disorder. Following the ingestion of preparations made from nettle our bodies will excrete more urine, thus effectively removing waste from our body. The herb has a positive effect on our skin, can be used to treat kidney dysfunction and is effective against fatigue. Nettle can be used to stop bleeding in cases of minor scratches and cuts, as it contains a substance that helps with blood coagulation. Furthermore, it can be used to stop nose bleeds, alleviates problems with hemorrhoids, to help with minor burns and painful menstrual periods, some even say that it stimulates the production of breast milk in nursing mothers and helps in easing problems during menopause.The burning sensation we feel when we are stung by nettle also has a beneficial effect on our health, as in the past they increased blood circulation and eased physical symptoms of arthritis or rheumatism in many patients this way. Moreover, nettle assists in controlling the iron levels in our blood, helps in case of inflammation of the kidneys, diseases of liver, bile and spleen, and stomach ulcers. Our module comprises the preparation of syrups, soups, spinach and fruit salad from nettle. The project would be carried out once or twice a month. This information applies to one institution. We embarked on this project because of the challenge posed by a successful market launch. We also find the idea of introducing nettle to Slovenian menus appealing.