eat the seasons | watercress

HISTORY

Watercress has been cultivated since Roman times. It is referred to in Irish poetry from the 12th century and has been grown in southern England since the early 1800s. Watercress was once popular as a tea, freshly made with lemon and sugar, and it has been used throughout history in Europe and Asia as a tonic for various ills.

NUTRITION

Watercress is rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron and folic acid. It is a cruciferous plant containing anti-cancer phytochemicals such as beta-carotene and flavonoids. Julie (Nutritional Therapist) writes: consumption of this leaf can help improve liver function and kidney function.

TIPS

BUYING
Look for crisp leaves with a deep green colour.

STORING
Watercress is very perishable but can be kept in good condition for a couple of days by refrigerating it stems-down in a glass of water, covered with a plastic bag.

PREPARING
Wash thoroughly just before use.

Central London locale
Pastry, pasta, puds and lots more!
Fun and deliciously different
www.cookeryschool.co.uk

A contract catering
company that puts
quality and freshness first
www.artizian.co.uk

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		eat WATERCRESS Raw watercress adds a peppery yet smooth edge to dishes and is highly nutritious. Use it in salads in place of the ubiquitous rocket, or try a watercress and Marmite sandwich. It is a classic soup ingredient and when cooked has a milder flavour. It's also a great in juices and gives carrot-based drinks a lovely bite. HISTORY Watercress has been cultivated since Roman times. It is referred to in Irish poetry from the 12th century and has been grown in southern England since the early 1800s. Watercress was once popular as a tea, freshly made with lemon and sugar, and it has been used throughout history in Europe and Asia as a tonic for various ills. BIOLOGY A member of the mustard family and related to garden cress. Watercress is a fast growing semi-aquatic plant that thrives in slightly alkaline water. NUTRITION Watercress is rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron and folic acid. It is a cruciferous plant containing anti-cancer phytochemicals such as beta-carotene and flavonoids. Julie (Nutritional Therapist) writes: consumption of this leaf can help improve liver function and kidney function. TIPS BUYING Look for crisp leaves with a deep green colour. STORING Watercress is very perishable but can be kept in good condition for a couple of days by refrigerating it stems-down in a glass of water, covered with a plastic bag. PREPARING Wash thoroughly just before use. OTHER STUFF The proper name for watercress is Nasturtium officinale. Nasturtium is Latin for 'nose twister', a reference to the plant's pungency. PICK OF THE RECIPES
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Central London locale Pastry, pasta, puds and lots more! Fun and deliciously different www.cookeryschool.co.uk A contract catering company that puts quality and freshness first www.artizian.co.uk		ONLINE Orange and Watercress Salad Watercress and Jersey Royal Soup Crispy Duck and Watercress Salad	IN PRINT Pitta Bread with Chickpea Puree and Alfalfa Blanc Vite Watercress, Spinach and Parmesan Salad with Cider Vinegar and Mustard Dressing Open Rhodes Around Britain Watercress Salad with Croutons Leiths Cookery Bible

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HISTORY

BIOLOGY

NUTRITION

TIPS

OTHER STUFF

PICK OF THE RECIPES