Deutsch: Brunnenkresse / Español: Berro / Português: Agrião / Français: Cresson / Italiano: Crescione
Watercress is a leafy green vegetable known for its peppery, slightly spicy flavor, making it a popular ingredient in salads, soups, and sandwiches. It belongs to the family Brassicaceae, which also includes mustard greens, broccoli, and cabbage.
Description
Watercress grows in water and is harvested from clean, shallow streams or water systems. It is recognized by its small, round, leafy greens attached to stems that are crisp and juicy. Due to its high water content and tender texture, watercress is usually consumed fresh, although it can also be lightly cooked, which reduces its peppery flavor.
Watercress is not only favored for its unique taste but also for its nutritional content. It is high in vitamins A, C, and K, and contains significant amounts of calcium, iron, and folate, making it beneficial for bone and blood health.
Application Areas
Watercress is versatile and used in various culinary preparations:
- Salads: Often added to salads for a peppery kick, complementing other greens and salad ingredients.
- Soups: Commonly used in soups, either as a key ingredient or as a garnish, particularly in the classic British watercress soup.
- Sandwiches: Adds flavor and crunch to sandwiches, often paired with creamy ingredients to balance its peppery taste.
- Juices and Smoothies: Included in health drinks for its nutrient content and spicy flavor.
Well-Known Examples
Some popular dishes that feature watercress include:
- Watercress Salad: Mixed with vinaigrette and other salad greens or used as a bed for proteins like grilled chicken or salmon.
- English Watercress Soup: A creamy soup that highlights the mild, peppery flavor of watercress.
- Steak and Watercress Sandwiches: Combining the spiciness of watercress with rich meats like steak to enhance flavors.
Treatment and Risks
Watercress is generally safe to consume with a few considerations:
- Waterborne Contaminants: Since watercress grows in water, it is crucial to ensure it is sourced from clean, uncontaminated water to avoid potential health risks.
- Nutrient Interaction: High in vitamin K, watercress can interact with blood-thinning medications. Individuals on such medications should consume watercress in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider.
Recipes
Here are simple recipes for using watercress:
- Simple Watercress Salad:
- Classic Watercress Soup:
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter, 1 chopped onion, 1 potato peeled and diced, 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 200g watercress, salt and pepper, cream (optional).
- Method: Melt butter in a saucepan, add onion and potato, cook until soft. Add broth, bring to a boil, then Simmer until potato is tender. Add watercress, cook for a few more minutes. Blend until smooth, season to taste, and add a splash of cream if desired.
Similar Terms
- Leafy greens
- Salad greens
- Mustard greens
- Peppery vegetables
- Nutrient-rich greens
Summary
Watercress is a nutrient-packed, peppery green vegetable that enhances the flavor and nutritional value of dishes. Its versatility makes it suitable for fresh salads, warm soups, and as a healthy addition to drinks and sandwiches.
--
Related Articles to the term 'Watercress' | |
'Rocket' | ■■■■■■■■■■ |
Rocket, also known as arugula or roquette, is a leafy green vegetable popular in salads and other dishes . . . Read More | |
'Arugula' | ■■■■■■■■■ |
Arugula is a leafy green vegetable, also known as rocket or roquette, that is widely used in salads, . . . Read More | |
'Green Beans' | ■■■■■■■ |
Green Beans, in the food context, refer to the unripe or young pods of the bean plant that are consumed . . . Read More | |
'Kohlrabi' | ■■■■■■■ |
Kohlrabi in the food context refers to a type of vegetable that belongs to the brassica family, which . . . Read More | |
'Repollo' | ■■■■■■ |
Repollo is the Spanish word for cabbage, a leafy green, red, or white biennial plant that is widely used . . . Read More | |
'Swiss Chard' | ■■■■■■ |
Swiss Chard: Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable belonging to the beet family (Beta vulgaris), known . . . Read More | |
'Turnip' | ■■■■■■ |
Turnip in the food context refers to a root vegetable known scientifically as Brassica rapa. Part of . . . Read More | |
'Zucchini' | ■■■■■■ |
Zucchini is a type of summer squash that is harvested while still immature, typically when it is about . . . Read More | |
'Lettuce' | ■■■■■ |
Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that is widely cultivated and consumed around the world. It is known . . . Read More | |
'Saluyot' | ■■■■■ |
Saluyot is a leafy green vegetable, also known as jute mallow or Corchorus olitorius, commonly used in . . . Read More |