What is Watercress? - Harvesting Wild Watercress Nutrition!
What Is Watercress?
Watercress (Nasturtium officianale) is an aquatic leafy green vegetable that grows wild in shallow waterways, ponds, streams and natural springs. If you have ever tasted Nasturtium leaf or flower, it definitely has a similar taste. It is also a bit like the "cress" I've had in England with a spicy, nutty flavor.
It comes from the Brassicaceae family, like cabbage, collard, and broccoli. It is said to be one of the oldest known leafy greens consumed by humans.
Watercress is one of those wild edible greens we love to come across on a wilderness hike or nature trail. I always tend to look for it when I see any kind of running water source, like a creek or a gently flowing spring. We use to get watercress for many years at our spring water source. But now, since we are RV traveling to different locations, it is always a great gift to find this green growing close to the wild areas that we park.
Harvesting Watercress
Recently, we found a large quantity of watercress growing along a shallow creek bed not too far from where we were staying. In this same location there are also an abundance of other wild edible plants, growing in the oak forested hills, like chickweed, cleavers and miners lettuce. So, we've been making big wild salads and wild green juicing everyday. There is nothing quite like the buzz you get from the "wild" greens in spring time. They seem to contain all the fire from the seasons burst of growth.
The peppery flavor of watercress is certainly a treat, but we tend to consume it in smaller portions, than say miners lettuce. It can definitely overpower a super juice, if you put in too much.
What is watercress growing in?
Watercress grows right above the waters surface, with roots reaching down into mud below. The hollow stems allow it to float above the water. It is most abundant in the spring and sometimes fall, preferring cooler climates with lots of sunlight. It grows in thick, beautiful hedge patches that are unmistakable, once you are familiar with it. I can usually spot it from a distance because I am accustomed to its look. You should always use a plant identification guide when harvesting wild plants, so you know for sure what you are picking and eating.
We have discovered a helpful tip when wildcrafting wild watercress. This is to use scissors to cut it. This makes it very easy to harvest a sizable quantity. The watercress will also grow back a lot easier if you don't pull out the roots, which tend to come out when you pick it by hand. We like to harvest from different areas, not just the same hedge, but all down the creek bed. A wildcrafter's rule of thumb is never to be able to visually see the place where you harvest after you're done.
Watercress Benefits
What is watercress good for "superhealth wise?" Watercress, like kelp, is a great source of iodine, which strengthens thyroid glands and benefits those with hypothyroid. In addition, it has powerful antioxidants that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. The juice of watercress is also great for lung ailments, like asthma and bronchitis.
In a study by University of Southampton it was revealed that watercress may inhibit the growth of breast cancer.
The high content of carotenoids, zeaxanthin and leutin in wild cress is very helpful for heart conditions and arterial plaque formation. The carotenoids also help in improving eyesight, preventing cataract disease and macular degeneration.
What is watercress significantly high in?
iron
calcium
vitamin A
folic acid
vitamin C
Other Benefits To Watercress Nutrition:
phytonutrients
antioxidants
diuretic
stimulant
regulates bile flow
digestive aid
improves bone strength
expectorant
It is important to make sure you wildcraft your watercress from a clean, unpolluted water source that is away from major agriculture or roadsides.
Remember to wash your water cress well in a strainer to remove water-living pathogens, dirt and debris that tend to collect on aquatic plants. Watercress tends to grow in muddy waters, so it is always a good idea to wash it this way with filtered water just to make sure.
