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Watercress
Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Watercress is small to medium in size with many leaflets that grow on thin stems connected to a cluster of roots. The green leaves are ovate to round in shape with scalloped edges, and each stem grows 20-25 centimeters in length and produces approximately 3-9 leaflets. The dark green stems are hollow, crisp, and can gradually creep across water and land. In addition to the leaves, Watercress will also produce small clusters of fragrant white flowers and small pods with edible seeds as it matures. Watercress has a spicy scent and a slightly bitter, peppery, and tangy flavor when fresh. When cooked, the peppery flavor will slightly diminish.
Seasons/Availability
Watercress is available year-round, with a peak season in the spring through early summer.
Current Facts
Watercress, botanically classified as Nasturtium officinale, is a semi-aquatic plant that is a member of the Brassicaceae family along with cabbage, kale, and mustard greens. Also known as Cress, which is a general name for the group of sharply flavored greens, Watercress is a cool-season herb that is used primarily as a lettuce green. Watercress is one of the oldest known consumed leaf vegetables and is still one of the most widely used greens in the world today. Naturalized in pools and streams, Watercress is easily found growing in the wild and is also commercially grown hydroponically. Valued for its sharp, peppery flavor, Watercress is extremely versatile and is used in both fresh and cooked applications.
Nutritional Value
Watercress is an excellent source of vitamin K and also contains vitamins A, C, and E, iron, magnesium, nitrate, phosphorus, riboflavin, potassium, and calcium.
Applications
Watercress is best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as wilting and lightly sautéing. The leaves and stems can be used fresh as a garnish, torn and mixed into salads, tossed into pasta, cooked into omelets, ground into pesto, or blended into juices and smoothies. They can also be layered in wraps and sandwiches or sprinkled on top of pizza, casseroles, and mixed into sauces. When cooked, Watercress can be added into soups such as minestrone, sautéed with parmesan cheese and served on top of a baked potato, or lightly wilted and served with cooked meats and vegetables. Watercress pairs well with spinach, asparagus, avocado, beets, carrots, tomatoes, pears, kiwis, oranges, grapefruit, garlic, ginger, leeks, sesame seeds, pine nuts, white wine vinaigrette, orange marmalade, jasmine rice, pork tenderloin, fried eggs, ham, salmon, ricotta cheese, blue cheese, goat cheese, and mozzarella cheese. The leaves and stems are highly perishable and will only keep up to four days when stored in a perforated bag in the refrigerator. The greens can also be stored upright in a glass of water and covered with a bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Watercress has been used in many different cultures throughout centuries for its nutritional properties and medicinal benefits. Served to the Roman and Persian army, many believed Watercress would help increase stamina, freshen breath, and prevent scurvy. In Greece around 400 BCE, Hippocrates also used the green to help reduce symptoms associated with blood disorders and grew the herb near the hospital. In the 19th century, Watercress was nicknamed the “poor man’s bread” as it was widely available in nature and workers would forage for the herb and create a free sandwich.
Geography/History
Watercress is native to Europe and Asia, with documentation of its existence dating back to over three-thousand years ago to Phoenicia, Ancient Greece, and Portugal. Cultivated from a wild plant in Europe, Watercress was introduced to America in the 18th century and became commercially popular in the late 20th century. Today Watercress can be found in the wild, at farmers markets, and specialty grocers in Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, Central America, and South America.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| The Kitchen at MCASD | La Jolla CA | 619-894-2051 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Two Ducks | San Diego CA | 760-235-3120 |
| Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Quixote | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Miguel's Cocina Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2401 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Adobo House | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Pali Wine Company | San Diego CA | 310-893-0038 |
| One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 310-955-6333 |
| The Corner Drafthouse | San Diego CA | 619-255-2631 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Watercress. One
is easiest, three is harder.
