Watercress has a complex taste profile. As a salad leaf it tastes very fresh, however as a member of the Brassica family there is a delicious peppery flavour to watercress.
What family is watercress in?
mustard family
Watercress is a member of the mustard family, which includes many well-known leafy and tuberous vegetables such as collard greens, kale, turnips, and radishes, as well as many problematic weeds such as garlic mustard.
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) has been consumed by humans for centuries. It falls under the family Brassicaceae and is related to other vegetables like the radish, wasabi, and garden cress. The plant grows rapidly near or on water bodies, mostly in slightly alkaline waters.
Is watercress part of the lettuce group?
Watercress or yellowcress (Nasturtium officinale) is a species of aquatic flowering plant in the cabbage family Brassicaceae.
Are watercress and Nasturtium the same?
The name Nasturtium officinale could easily get confused with the familiar nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus and T. minus) that is grown for colorful, edible blooms. Indeed, Nasturtiums are peppery in flavor too; however, they are members of the Tropaeolaceae family and not botanically related to watercress.
Is watercress a cruciferous vegetable?
Cruciferous veggies are a diverse group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, collards, watercress and radishes.
Is cress a type of cabbage?
Land Cress (Barbarea vulgaris) and American Upland Cress (Barbarea verna) are biennial, edible leafy-green vegetables from the Brassicaceae (cabbage) family. The young leaves, which are spicy in flavour, are often used as a substitute for watercress in dishes, and can be cooked, or used fresh in salads and sandwiches.
Who should not eat watercress?
Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: Watercress is LIKELY UNSAFE for use as a medicine in children, especially in those younger than four years old. Stomach or intestinal ulcers: Don’t use watercress if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers. Kidney disease: Don’t use watercress if you have kidney disease.
Is watercress anti inflammatory?
Watercress also contains dietary nitrates, which boost blood vessel health by reducing inflammation and decreasing the stiffness and thickness of your blood vessels ( 21 ).
What is another name for watercress?
watercress, (Nasturtium officinale), also called cress, perennial aquatic plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), native to Eurasia and naturalized throughout North America.
Is watercress the healthiest vegetable?
Watercress ranks as the most nutrient-rich vegetable, while other leafy greens like chard, chicory and lettuce rank well. Turnips, sweet potatoes and grapefruits performed worse. That said, any quantity of vegetables is better than the alternative.
Does watercress cause bloating?
With dietary fibre and anti-bacterial properties, watercress can aid better digestion, balance gut flora, and revitalise our metabolism. Watercress may also cure other digestion related symptoms such as bloating, cramping and wind. 8.
Is watercress a spinach?
Watercress has a spicier taste than spinach or kale but can be used in similar ways. Make a salad using all watercress or a mix of watercress and other greens.
Can you eat the stems of watercress?
All of it! The entire watercress plant is edible – leaves, stalks and even the flowers. Only the roots are best discarded as they don’t taste great! Everything else can be eaten raw or added to your favourite dish to add that classic peppery flavour.
Is watercress illegal?
Gambel’s water cress is a California threatened plant species, which means that killing or possessing this plant is prohibited by the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). This species is also listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Why is watercress called watercress?
Q: What is the Latin name for watercress? A: The Romans called watercress “nasturtium” which means “twisted nose”.
Why should you not eat cruciferous vegetables?
Cruciferous vegetables are healthy and nutritious. However, they contain thiocyanates, which can block iodine absorption. People with thyroid problems should not eat very large amounts of these veggies.
Is Avocado cruciferous?
The cruciferous family includes: bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Collard/spring greens, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, rocket, turnip, watercress and wasabi. Sometimes this vegetable family is also called brassicas.
Is watercress low Fodmap?
Watercress: Monash has lab tested watercress and it is low FODMAP in portions of 1 cup (80 g). No Moderate or High FODMAP levels are given.
What vegetables are in the Brassica family?
A member of the family of vegetables that includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and turnips. These vegetables contain substances that may protect against cancer.
What is the difference between cress and watercress?
The biggest difference is that garden cress is grown rooted in soil, whilst watercress has floating roots that grow freely in natural spring water. Although they are similar in flavour, garden cress is a more delicate plant that doesn’t provide the same crunch or punch as our super salad.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.