This year, contestants from around the world have flocked to Dorset Nectar Cider Farm in Waytown, near Bridport, for the annual World Nettle Eating Championships. The participants strip leaves from the stalks before consuming them in a desperate bid to be crowned the ultimate nettle-eating champion.
Competitors are given 30 minutes to eat as many nettles as possible before their empty stalks are counted. They are also provided with cider to help wash down the nettles and alleviate the pain of the stings that inevitably occur on their hands and mouths.
Bethan Hodges, last year’s women’s champion, will be back to defend her title after eating an impressive 60ft of nettles during the competition. Despite experiencing lingering bits of stingy nettle in her fingers for a few days afterward, she shared that her tongue recovered quickly despite turning green.
Rob Casey is another contestant returning this year and has some tips for tackling the nettles. He recommends folding them carefully to avoid stinging hairs inside and dipping them in cider to minimize pain. The stalks are cut into 2ft lengths and counted at the end of the competition.
The tradition of nettle eating dates back to the 1980s and was previously held at a pub in Bridport before being taken over by Ryan Strong at Dorset Nectar Cider Farm. Strong is committed to preserving this quirky event and ensuring that it continues for years to come.
