Question 1

Is cooking watercress better than eating it raw?

Accepted Answer

Raw watercress has a stronger flavor and contains more vitamins and nutrients than cooked watercress. Cooking may result in the loss of some vitamins, such as vitamin C. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, lightly steaming or sautéing watercress can make it easier to digest and also enhances certain nutrients.

Question 2

Can I use watercress as a substitute for spinach or arugula?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Watercress has a sharp, peppery flavor similar to arugula and would make a great substitute. However, keep in mind that the taste is stronger, so adjust the amounts accordingly.

Question 3

How should I prepare watercress for use in dishes?

Accepted Answer

Wash your watercress thoroughly under running cold water, then pat it dry. If the stems are thick, you might prefer to remove them. For salads or sandwiches, you can tear or chop the leaves. For soups and purées, you can use it as is.

Question 4

Can watercress be used in a green smoothie?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Watercress' peppery flavor adds a fun kick to green smoothies. Remember to blend it well for a smoother consistency.

Question 5

My recipe calls for a few sprigs of watercress. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

A sprig is basically one stem with leaves. So if a recipe calls for a few sprigs, it means you need a few stems with their leaves.

Question 6

Can I use watercress in pesto instead of basil?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Using watercress instead of basil for pesto can create a unique flavor profile with a spicy kick.

Question 7

Is watercress spicy?

Accepted Answer

Watercress has a peppery flavor that some people might describe as 'spicy.' It's not spicy in the way that chillies are, but it does have a bit of a kick to it.

Question 8

Is watercress good for you?

Accepted Answer

Watercress is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your diet. It's especially high in vitamins A and C.

Question 9

Why does my watercress have a bitter taste?

Accepted Answer

Watercress has a naturally peppery and tangy flavor which some people might perceive as slightly bitter. It's best paired with other flavors to balance this out.

Question 10

Can watercress be cooked like spinach?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it should be cooked very briefly to preserve its taste and nutritional value. It's often added at the last minute to soups and stews, just until it wilts.

Question 11

When does watercress expire?

Accepted Answer

Fresh watercress, stored properly, typically stays fresh for about 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator, though it's best to use it within the first two days for optimal flavor and texture. If watercress is packaged in a plastic bag, it can last up to ten days in the fridge, but again, the sooner you use it, the better. Frozen watercress is not common as freezing alters its texture significantly, making it inedible raw and only suitable for recipes where it will be cooked

Question 12

How do you tell if watercress is bad?

Accepted Answer

Bad or spoiled watercress will wilt and become slimy. It's also common for rotten watercress to fairly quickly develop a funky, off putting odor and dark spots on the leaves and tips of the stems. It’s best to consume watercress when its color is still a vibrant green. If it starts losing its vibrancy, becoming pale or yellowish, or if you spot dark, wet patches, it's time to let it go.

Question 13

Tips for storing watercress to extend shelf life

Accepted Answer

• Keep your watercress unwashed until you're ready to consume it.

• Store your watercress in the crisper drawer of your fridge wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel to keep it hydrated. Pop this in a perforated bag or loosely wrap it with a plastic bag to conserve its moisture without suffocating it.

• Avoid packing watercress tightly with other vegetables as it needs space to breathe.

• Don’t freeze watercress if you plan on using it raw in salads or similar, the freezing process will seriously affect its texture.

• If you have too much watercress on hand and you don’t want it go to waste, consider whipping up a pesto or a soup – that you can then freeze – instead.

Question 14

Analysis of watercress

Accepted Answer

People commonly overlook watercress's potential due to its pungent flavor and delicate texture. However, watercress excels when paired with the right ingredients, beautifully complementing dishes. A common mistake is cooking watercress for an extended period, which can rob it of its nutritional value and peppery essence. To fully enjoy and exploit watercress, use it as a garnish or toss it in salads, soups, and sandwiches last minute, ensuring it doesn't lose its distinctive taste.

An interesting tip regarding watercress is to use it in pesto recipes as a substitute for basil, delivering a spicy and unique twist to a classic dish. Another little-known trick is to blend watercress with fruits for nutrient-packed green smoothies.

Watercress

THE APP

RECIPES

PRODUCTS

THE COMPANY

PRIVACY

|

terms