More Lettuce & Spinach Varieties
Watercress
Scientific Binomial Name: Nasturtium officinale
Selection Information
Usage: Soups, green smoothies, stuffings, salads, and cooking
Selection: Good-quality watercress will be crisp and deep-green with a peppery aroma.
Avoid: Avoid product that has yellow, wilted or slime-spotted leaves. Also avoid product with an unpleasant odor.
Storage: Stand stems in water, cover with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. Another storage method is wash, spin dry, and refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to 3 to 4 days. Store hydroponically grown cresses complete with their root-balls in a plastic bag for up to 3 to 4 days.
Seasonal Information
Watercress is available year-round from California and Florida.
Watercress Nutritional Information
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Watercress is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It's also a good source of Protein, Folate, Pantothenic Acid and Copper, and a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Manganese.
Watercress Tips & Trivia
- Watercress was always carried with Greek, Roman and Persian soldiers during their campaigns and eaten for its anti-scorbutic properties, to prevent scurvy.