Watercress greens, formally known as Nasturtium officinale, are a type of aquatic plant found in many parts of the world. A member of the mustard family, watercress greens have dark green crunchy leaves with a crisp mustard-like bite that adds a level of flavor to food, whether used as a star component or as a garnish. When harvested for food, watercress is collected before the delicate white flowers and green seed pods appear because the leaves will grow woody and flavorless.
Watercress greens commonly grow along streams, ponds, and ditches and can be found in standing water as well as growing on muddy ground. When watercress grows in the water, the leaves trail across the surface and provide shelter to other forms of small aquatic life. When watercress is found in mud or damp soil, the plant tends to creep like a vine.
The edible leaves resemble feathers exploding from a central point at the root of the plant, and the flowers appear in clusters in the middle of the plant in season, which varies depending on where the watercress is growing.
Watercress greens have been eaten by humans for centuries; writings of both the Romans and the Ancient Greeks document the consumption of watercress by all classes. Since it can be found growing in the winter, watercress was often served when other options were not available, and because it is plentiful, watercress greens were eaten most heavily by the lower classes, who might not be able to afford other foods. Like other leafy greens, watercress has lots of iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin C, making it an excellent nutritional supplement.
In Western cuisine, watercress greens are usually eaten raw. It appears as a garnish, in salads, and on sandwiches. Some formal English tea sandwiches mix watercress with butter for a peppery spread, while others are made with whole leaves of watercress. The spicy flavor makes it an excellent addition to a wide variety of dishes. Watercress is also used in parts of the East, particularly China and Japan. In these countries, watercress greens are usually lightly cooked before being consumed in soups, sauces, and stir fries.
Today, watercress is often available at high-end grocery stores if it cannot be found growing wild. When selecting watercress greens to take home, look for an evenly colored bunch with a firm texture and a lustrous green color. Avoid wilted or discolored watercress, and store the watercress in a plastic bag in the fridge for no more than five days before use. Watercress should be rinsed before being eaten to eliminate dirt.
While watercress greens have retained their place as a nutritious addition to many dishes, let's shift our gaze to a newer player in the game of supergreens. Our Live it Up Super Greens review brings to the table a fresh perspective on nutritional supplementation. When it comes to convenience and nutritional value, nothing rivals these Super Greens, in our opinion. This innovative blend is not only replete with essential vitamins and minerals, but it also includes powerful antioxidants that can support overall health.
Unlike watercress, which can be a bit challenging to find in certain regions and at certain times of the year, Live it Up Super Greens is available year-round. It's a complete superfood supplement that you can incorporate seamlessly into your diet without the worry of sourcing fresh greens or the risk of them wilting in your fridge.
For those who might miss the mustard-like bite of watercress, Super Greens introduces a unique blend of flavors that can elevate your smoothies, soups, and salads. In our Live it Up Super Greens review, we found this product to be the epitome of nutritional convenience, yet still delivering on flavor, making it an all-star addition to many health-conscious pantries.
While watercress greens contribute their distinct benefits, the best greens powder offers a comprehensive spectrum of nutrients in a concentrated form. This combination creates a balanced and holistic dietary approach, ensuring you receive a diverse array of vital nutrients that actively support overall health and vitality.