Watercress

Description

Taste: Raw watercress has a peppery taste, similar to other related plants like mustard and wasabi. Once cooked the pepperiness of watercress diminishes, leaving a distinctive vegetable flavour which tastes delicious in soups, stews and stir fries.

Benefits: Watercress is rich in vitamin A (via beta-carotene) and vitamin C, and a source of folate, calcium, iron and vitamin E. It also contains a variety of phytochemicals including glucosinolates, lutein, flavonoids and hydroxycinammic acids. Watercress has significant antioxidant activity in vitro.

Culinary Use: Watercress is most commonly used in salads, smoothies, soups and sandwiches, however it can also be treated as a herb and used to flavour sauces and dressings.