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Watercress

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is an aquatic, fast-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It's characterized by its dark green, rounded leaves and hollow stems, which are typically grown in or near water sources like natural springs or slow-moving streams. Rich in vitamins and minerals, watercress is a versatile and nutritious addition to various dishes. In the culinary world, watercress is primarily consumed raw or occasionally cooked, adding a peppery, tangy taste to salads, soups, sandwiches, and garnishes. It's often used as a substitute for more common greens like spinach or arugula, and with its pungent flavor and delicate texture, it can elevate the taste of many dishes.
#131
IN FRESH VEGETABLES
11
CAL / 100G
$0.62
AVG / OZ
watercress
35%
CARBS
3%
FAT
62%
PROTEIN
Watercress FAQ
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.
Is cooking watercress better than eating it raw?
Can I use watercress as a substitute for spinach or arugula?
How should I prepare watercress for use in dishes?
Can watercress be used in a green smoothie?
My recipe calls for a few sprigs of watercress. What does this mean?
Can I use watercress in pesto instead of basil?
Is watercress spicy?
Is watercress good for you?
Why does my watercress have a bitter taste?
Can watercress be cooked like spinach?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does watercress expire?
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
How do you tell if watercress is bad?
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.
Tips for storing watercress to extend shelf life
• 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.
EXPIRES WITHIN
6 - 11
DAYS
Health Info
Macros
0g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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