Introduction of Watercress
Watercress, (Nasturtium officinale), also known as cress, is a perennial aquatic plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), which originates from Eurasia and is grown throughout North America. Watercress thrives in calm waterways, where it grows submerged, floating, or spread over mud.
It is often grown in containers or in wetlands for its edible young shoots and its strong, spicy-flavored leaves, which are rich in vitamin C. Gardening The ornamental nasturtium (genus Tropaeolum) is not closely related to water.
Watercress plants usually form a bush and take root from the stem. Other books have three to nine small leaflets. The plant produces small clusters of four-petaled white flowers; each pod, called a silique, bears two rows of fruit.
Watercress plant growing
Watercress can be grown from seeds, transplants or cuttings. Nasturtium officinale abounds, but the most common houseplant is Nasturtium officinale. Before planting, choose a sunny spot and prepare the soil with 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of compost to a depth of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). The seeds are small, so they will be distributed in a small prepared area.
Start three weeks before your local frost-free date. This plant grows best in good conditions (50-60 degrees F. or 10-15 C.) but not frozen. Keep the planting area moist but not covered with water. Potted plants can be placed in a saucer filled with water to retain water.
Seedlings will appear in about five days. If you are transplanting, plant the plants 8 inches (20 cm) apart once all danger of frost has passed.
Nutritional facts of Watercress
It is known that milk was a staple in the ancient Roman army Watercress sandwiches are a staple in England. It has more vitamin C than an orange, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach and more folate than a banana.
Watercress contains vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, all of which are essential for a healthy body and mind.
What does it taste like?
Watercress has a unique flavor of pepper and pepper, with low acidity and a slightly bitter taste. The sweet taste is more pronounced in mature leaves and cooking reduces the flavor slightly.
Benefits of watercress.
Like other greens, watercress is packed with nutrients. Here are some benefits of adding watercress to your diet:
It is rich in vitamin K.
According to Zhu, 1 cup of watercress provides more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with bone health and blood clotting. Research1 shows that vitamin K can increase bone mineral density and reduce the number of fractures. Vitamin K is also important for blood clotting, which promotes wound healing.
However, vitamin K interacts with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin). Talk to your doctor about the best way to maintain consistent vitamin K levels.
Perhaps it is one of the most nutritious vegetables.
In 2014, watercress was ranked as the 2nd most nutritious product on the market, but it is still being taken away. The list was created based on the recommended daily nutritional value, and watercress topped the chart with perfect marks.
Makes bones healthy
Watercress is also a good source of folate which works specifically as a co-factor in maintaining bone density. Post-menopausal women can also benefit from folate in their diet as a preventative measure against osteoporosis. Adequate consumption of vitamin K improves bone health. Drinking just one glass of water helps to meet your daily vitamin K requirements.
Works as an antidepressant
Low levels of folate increase the risk of depression. So watercress is an important dietary supplement that helps prevent this chronic disease.
How to store watercress
Store watercress the same way you would a tender herb: in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for a week. Although you can use watercress freezing technology, you probably shouldn’t eat it raw because it will lose a lot of its flavor and it won’t be as good in texture after thawing.
If you plan to put it in the soup, however, make your heart love the hot water.
