Watercress - Nasturtium officinale

The watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, synonym: Nasturtium officinale) is a plant from the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae). This species is very similar to the slender watercress (Rorippa microphylla), but is distinguished by shorter fruits, seeds that lie in two rows in each cell instead of one, and a seed structure with about half as many meshes.

The white watercress grows in and around water, such as along streams, ditches, ponds and in marshes. It is a limp, hairless plant that can reach a height of 10 to 60 cm. The hollow, square, fleshy stem often creeps at the base.

The plant blooms with white flowers, the petals of which are 4 to 6 mm long and about twice as large as the sepals.

Applications

White watercress, often sold simply as ‘watercress’, is widely used in the kitchen. The leaves have a fresh, slightly sharp flavour that is reminiscent of garden cress, but is more subtle in nature. The plant can be used raw in salads, or cooked as a spinach-like dish.

In addition to salads, the plant is also used in soups, as a garnish for sandwiches and steaks, or in combination with red spinach.

In folk medicine, white watercress is praised for various beneficial properties. It is seen as an aphrodisiac, appetite-stimulating, metabolism-promoting and as an aid in diabetes mellitus. An infusion of two teaspoons of leaves per cup of hot water is traditionally used for chronic skin complaints, hyperthyroidism, rheumatism and bladder complaints.

The plant also serves as a hair tonic and natural dye.

In winter, white watercress can contribute as a supplier of carotene and vitamin C. The plant is rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, folic acid, gluconasturtiin (a specific glucosinolate of watercress) and essential oils.

Ingredients:

• Name: Watercress  Herb Cut.
• Latin name: Nasturtium officinalis Hb. Conc.

Shape: Cut.

Storage: Store in a dry, cool and dark place.

Available in: 50 gr, 100 gr, 250 gr.

Order code: EG001293, EG001294, EG001295.

EAN-13: 8720514822920, 8720514822937, 8720514822944.

• Detox
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Fatigue
• Blood
• Stomach
• Appetite
• Urinary tract
• Respiratory tract
• Digestion

Use: 1 to 2 grams per cup, pour boiling water over, leave to steep for 5 to 10 minutes, covered.

*Disclaimer: Herbs are not medicines. We cannot be held liable for any damage you may cause yourself by making decisions based on information from this site. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. A nutritional supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet. Consult an expert before using supplements in case of pregnancy, lactation, medication and illness. If you are currently taking medication, do not stop taking it or replace it without first consulting a doctor. It is also wise to obtain good information first if you have children under the age of 12.