Wholesale Watercress herb

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on watercress

description
Nasturtium officinale is a member of the Brassicaceae family.

This aquatic, hardy perennial has hollow, succulent, branching stems from 1-2 feet. The floating, trailing stems and foliage of watercress may grow to 32 inches long, but usually only the top 4-6 inches of the plant are visible above the water’s surface. These creeping (or floating) stems will root easily and bear shiny, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves.

Watercress leaves range in color from very dark green to a brownish green or bronze; they have a distinctive bitter taste. These mostly glabrous (hairless), petiolate leaves are oval shaped or pinnately divided, with narrow lateral lobes and a wider lobe at the top of each leaf.

Clusters of small white to purplish white flowers appear at the tips of the plant's stems from early summer to mid-autumn. Watercress' flowers are characteristically mustardlike. Their clusters form on terminal stalks that arise from the upper leaf axils, each with four petals. The fruits each contain two rows of tiny seeds and are linear capsules ½ to 1 inch in length.

common names & nomenclature
Common name of watercress is in reference to the plant’s affinity for growing in water or very wet soil.

Also known as:
watercress, watercress herb

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for watercress

Nasturtium officinale, known as watercress, is native to Europe and Asia.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting watercress

climate
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant that is frequently found growing around the headwaters of chalk streams. Due to its semi-aquatic nature it is well-suited to hydroponic cultivation, preferring slightly alkaline water. Does best in sun.

soil
The watercress plant is easily cultivated under the correct conditions of slowly flowing clean water, preferably coming from chalky or limestone soils. Being semi-aquatic it can grow in water or on wet soils.

growing
Since virtually any part of the plant will form roots if detached from the parent plant—including a single leaf—cuttings can be taken at any time in the growing season. Place cuttings in a container of water until the roots are well formed and then plant out in shallow water. Watercress can also be cultivated via seed.

harvesting
The leaves can be harvested throughout the year and are used fresh, or dried for later use.

preserving
Store dried watercress pieces and dried powdered watercress in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

Watercress can be a useful ingredient when used in cooked dishes as it adds a unique flavour to soups and retains some of its beneficial properties. Watercress soup can be made with onions, potatoes, pork, mushrooms and more. You can experiment with different different vegetables, flavors, stocks and proteins that you like. Simply add everything to a pot, let it simmer and enjoy when done.

Watercress is cultivated as a vegetable and herb. As an herb, dried watercress lends a peppery flavor to soups, stews, eggs, potatoes and rice. It is Spicy and pungent that is characteristic of cruciferous vegetables and salad greens.. Goes well with garlic, onion, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne.

As with all medicinal remedy, check with your physician if you take pharmaceutical medications before using this herb because watercress is known to interfere with medicines metabolized in the liver by CYP 450 enzymes.