Nasturtium officinale
Watercress
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Nasturtium officinale.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Wet
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Condiment, Seed
Bee forage
Description
The leaves of white watercress are often cooked and used as a garnish in salads due to their strong and spicy flavor. This watercress is also added to tonics. The leaves can be harvested almost year-round and are very nutritious, particularly rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron. The sprouted seeds of watercress can be eaten in salads because of their mustard-like flavor. The seeds are often ground into powder and used to make mustard. When foraging for watercress in the wild, it is important to be cautious, especially if the plant grows near water and there are grazing animals in the vicinity, such as sheep. There is a risk that the plant may contain parasites in that case. To be safe, the leaves should be cooked before consumption.