Seasons/Availability
Watercress is available year-round, with a peak season in the spring through early summer.
Selection
When selecting Watercress, look for bright green leaves with no yellowing or wilting. The stems should be crisp and the leaves free from blemishes.
Storage
Watercress is best stored unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to one week. Do not store near fruits as they produce ethylene gas which can cause the watercress to wilt prematurely.
Usage
Watercress can be used both raw and cooked. It is popularly added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, omelets, scrambled eggs, and other hot dishes such as sautéed vegetables and pastas. It can also be juiced, blended into sauces or pestos, and used to make tea. Watercress pairs well with herbs such as thyme, parsley, basil, dill, garlic, onion, and chives. It can also be used in combination with meats such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish.
Nutrition
Watercress is an excellent source of vitamins A and C and offers a good amount of vitamin E along with beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A in the body. It also contains minerals like calcium and iron along with potassium and magnesium. Watercress is an extremely low-calorie food that is rich in dietary fiber making it beneficial for digestive health. Additionally watercress is known to contain cancer-fighting compounds.
Safety
Watercress should be washed thoroughly before consuming as it may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. If purchasing pre-washed watercress, make sure that it has not been treated with chemicals or preservatives and is truly organic when possible. Pregnant women should avoid eating large amounts of watercress due to its high nitrate content which can cause adverse effects on fetal development in some cases. Additionally people who are allergic to mustard greens should exercise caution when consuming watercress as it belongs to the same family of vegetables.
To Sum Up
Watercress is an herbaceous green leafy vegetable with a spicy scent and slightly bitter, peppery flavor. It is a nutrient-dense vegetable with a range of health benefits and can be used in many different recipes including salads, soups, omelets, scrambled eggs, and other hot dishes such as sautéed vegetables and pastas. Additionally it contains vitamins A and C along with minerals like calcium and iron which provide numerous benefits to overall health. Watercress should be washed thoroughly before consuming due to its potential for containing harmful bacteria and pregnant women should avoid eating large amounts of watercress due to its high nitrate content. People who are allergic to mustard greens should also exercise caution when consuming watercress. With all this in mind, watercress can make an excellent addition to any diet!
