Watercress

With a ranking of 1000 on the ANDI Food Scores, Watercress is a super food similar to Kale and Mustard Greens. It is easy to grow in soil or water under full sun or partial shade..

Scientific Name : Nasturtium officinale.

Common Names : Garden Cress, Kresson

Malay Name : Selada ayer

Chinese Name : 西洋菜 (xi yang cai)

Watercress originated in Europe as an invasive weed in streams and springs. It was a staple diet of Roman soldiers (apparently to keep them strong and healthy) and Hippocrates used it to treat his patients. The word “officinale” in any scientific plant name denotes that “it was approved in ancient Rome to be sold as a food or medicine in special stores“.

Growing :
It can be grown in soil but best with running water i.e. aquaponics. There are several varieties, the most common being the green variety sold in markets. But they aren’t easy to grow from cuttings. The red / purplish variety (Taiwanese / Japanese watercress) are more hardy, propagates from stem cuttings easily and are more shade tolerant. Just keep harvesting them and they will keep growing.

Eating :
You can eat the leaves raw but make sure you wash thoroughly, soak in water with hydrogen peroxide to remove pollutants or parasites. There are lots of recipes on how to make a soup using bone / anchovy stock.  You can also make a cooling sweet drink by boiling the leaves and stems with honey rock sugar.

Nutrition :
The Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI) score for Watercress is above that of Spinach or Broccoli 1

2 Cups of Watercress provides the following 2:

Vitamin K : 212% RDA

Vitamin A : 44% RDA

Vitamin C : 48% RDA

Calcium : 8% RDA

Manganese : 8% RDA

Potassium : 6% RDA

Fat : 0.1g

Protein : 1.6 g

References :

  1. All You Need To Know About Watercress by Medical News Today
  2. ANDI Food Scores : Rating Nutrient Density Of Foods by Dr. Fuhrman
  3. Watercress : Ancient Flavor by Green Deane
  4. Watercress by Indian Mirror
  5. Care Of Watercress  by Gardening Know How

The contents and references in this posting are for educational purposes only. Please consult your medical professional before consuming this food either cooked or raw, especially if you have any medical conditions.