Stinging Nettles

James is out of town for a bit so as a little pick me up treat I toddled on down to the honestly huge farmer's market at the Marin civil center (third largest in California I hear). The stalls are literally brimming with artisanal cheeses, uber organic farms, grass fed meats of every species and beautiful fresh produce like these stinging nettles.
I've had nettles in restaurants but I have never seen them at a market or cooked them myself. Use tongs the farmer's sign advised to avoid being stuck with the trademark spines. "They need heat to be edible" she advised. "Or a little time in the freezer." And now I am on my way to stir fried nettles and maybe a bright nettle pesto.