2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Cultivated watercress (Lepidium sativum), also called watercress, is a fast-growing garden plant with a sharp and spicy taste. In English translations it can also be found as "hot grass", "pepper of the poor" and others. Watercress contains iron, folic acid, calcium, vitamins C, vitamin A, vitamin E, as well as those of the B group.
To make sure that we choose fresh watercress, we must observe whether its petals are hard, evenly green and fresh. It is best to avoid buying it when you notice that it is sticky, wilted or discolored.
In European and American cuisine, its stem and leaves are used as decoration when garnishing main dishes; in the preparation of salads to create appetizing green nature and flavoring; as well as in sandwiches to season spicy and have an extra crunchy ingredient like lettuce or Chinese cabbage.
Watercress is often used in salads with eggs, in cream soups and sauces. Its volatility and strong taste are reduced when combined with heavier nutrients - greasy, but also unobtrusive in taste and smell.
Usually a suitable combination of products is created when watercress is added to mayonnaise, cream, cottage cheese, cream cheese, as well as to lettuce or other green vegetables with a more neutral taste. In England it is a popular sandwich, heavily seasoned with watercress, which is often served with an afternoon cup of tea.
Necessary products: 4 hard-boiled eggs, 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 cups garden watercress, 16 thin toast slices of wheat bread without crusts, salt and pepper to taste.
Method of preparation:
Finely chop the eggs and mix with the mayonnaise. Add salt and pepper to the mixture. Then spread the toaster slices with it and sprinkle with watercress leaves. Put a second slice of bread as a "lid" on the spread. Sandwiches are served decorated with the remaining watercress.
In France and Germany, spring soup with watercress and zucchini is often cooked.
Necessary products:
1 small onion, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 125 ml. dry white wine / if possible /, 1-2 bunches of watercress, 6 tablespoons parsley, 750 ml. vegetable broth, 250 ml. "creme fraiche" (a type of French cream - can be replaced with mascarpone or thick cream mixed with cream cheese), 1 medium-sized, dark green zucchini, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt and pepper. to taste.
Method of preparation:
Chop the onion and lightly fry in butter, add the flour and mix gently. Then add the wine and broth, leaving everything to boil for 10-15 minutes. Finely chop the cut watercress leaves with a sharp knife / chopper and sprinkle with parsley on the soup.
Cut the zucchini into small pieces, which are lightly sauteed in a little water for about 10 minutes, until they begin to soften. Then they are mashed, and it is mixed with the soup. Cream, salt, pepper and lemon juice are added to it. The soup is served by adding a sprig of fresh watercress to the top of the cream.
Recommended:
Let's Grow Watercress At Home
Watercress is a plant that you can easily grow at home. You can keep it on the balcony or on the windowsill. To grow it needs heat and light. Watercress also needs a lot of water and that is why it is called an aquatic plant. Its seeds germinate easily and grow to 10 centimeters in just a few days.
Watercress - One Of The First Cultivated Plants
One of the first cultivated plants ever was watercress. It has been used by ancient Greek and Roman soldiers for its strength and endurance. In the seventeenth century, the famous English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper recommended a drink of watercress to cleanse the face of spots and pimples.
Culinary Subtleties In Cooking With Watercress
Watercress combines vegetables and herbs. The cultivated plant is used in cooking. Because it prefers water and grows near it, it is also called watercress or wet, even watercress. In the distant past, it was used as a tonic in battles, as well as a medicine.
Health Benefits Of Watercress
The cress is considered to be the birthplace of Iran, where the ancient Egyptians and Romans used it to obtain nutrients that calm the nervous system and improve sleep. The parts of this plant are used to make medicines. Its healing properties support the functions of the lungs, as well as coughs, bronchitis and influenza.
That Is Why Watercress Is A Must-have Food For Women
The watercress is a leafy plant grown in natural spring water. It has long been neglected, but has recently begun to revive as a new superfood. The health benefits of watercress are enhanced immunity, cancer prevention and thyroid maintenance.
