The annual World Nettle Eating Championships are held at the Dorset Nectar Cider Farm in Waytown, and this year, participants from all over the world are gathering to compete. In this grueling competition, contestants have 30 minutes to eat as many stinging nettle leaves as possible before the empty stalks are counted. To help with the pain, they are given cider to wash down the nettles.
Last year’s women’s champion, Bethan Hodges, is back to defend her title after consuming an impressive 60ft of nettles in the previous competition. The stings from the nettles can cause discomfort in the hands and mouth, but contestants must endure to win the championship.
Returning champion Rob Casey shared some tips for eating nettles, including folding them up to reduce the sting and moistening them with cider to minimize the pain. The tradition dates back to the 1980s and was saved from being lost by Ryan Strong, who now hosts the event at his cider farm.
The stalks are cut into 2ft lengths and counted at the end of the competition. Contestants push through the pain in hopes of being crowned the world champion nettle eater. This event is a test of endurance and determination, as participants strip leaves from the stalks before consuming them in a bid for victory.
