Watercress A Wild Edible Food
Watercress is a plant that is found in water, hence the name. Watercress is found globally, so there is a good chance it is growing near you. Its scientific name is Nasturtium officinale.
Be aware watercress, while a wild edible, can also be raised and cultivated for food just like other garden crops. Of course it has different environmental requirements that most gardeners aren't familiar with.
If you want to start your own water garden keep in mind that it favors a high pH environment. This means it dislikes acidic water. Water pH can easily be adjusted with the addition of a little hardwood ash.
Watercress leaves are unsuitable for storage so must be eaten shortly after being picked.
When allowed to grow without trimming or harvesting the plant will grow to about a couple of feet tall. The leaves are pinnately compound. And each compound leaf is arranged in an alternate pattern. Leaves never occur opposite of one another. The flowers are white with four petals which grow in clusters.
The sprouts, leaves and tender stems are the edible parts of the plant. If the plant has reached the flowering stage, then the plant will be less tasty and bitter, edible still, just not as enjoyable to eat.
Wash picked watercress thoroughly if eaten raw. Alternatively the plants can be cooked as well. Cooking lowers the nutritional value and does not taste as good as when eaten raw like a salad.
Be aware watercress, while a wild edible, can also be raised and cultivated for food just like other garden crops. Of course it has different environmental requirements that most gardeners aren't familiar with.
If you want to start your own water garden keep in mind that it favors a high pH environment. This means it dislikes acidic water. Water pH can easily be adjusted with the addition of a little hardwood ash.
Watercress leaves are unsuitable for storage so must be eaten shortly after being picked.
When allowed to grow without trimming or harvesting the plant will grow to about a couple of feet tall. The leaves are pinnately compound. And each compound leaf is arranged in an alternate pattern. Leaves never occur opposite of one another. The flowers are white with four petals which grow in clusters.
The sprouts, leaves and tender stems are the edible parts of the plant. If the plant has reached the flowering stage, then the plant will be less tasty and bitter, edible still, just not as enjoyable to eat.
Wash picked watercress thoroughly if eaten raw. Alternatively the plants can be cooked as well. Cooking lowers the nutritional value and does not taste as good as when eaten raw like a salad.
