Is watercress the new Kale? We think so, and it’s bang in season. Go green folks!
Okay chaps, kale is so yesterday, and watercress is back. Why? Well, it’s the most nutrient dense food according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scoring 100/100 on the nutrient density index, where kale scored only 49. Gram for gram, watercress contains more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach and more folate than bananas. Yup!
Because it grows in beds sitting over ancient chalk aquifers in Hampshire and Dorset, the water that bubbles up is naturally rich in calcium which is passed onto watercress. There’s more calcium in a serving of watercress than a glass of whole milk.
It’s also versatile and packs a flavour punch, bringing pepperiness to the plate thanks to the ITCs (that’s isothiocyanates in case you didn’t know) that are produced as you chew it. Those powerful little ITCs have been shown to have cancer preventative properties, repair the damage caused by exercise, stress and everyday living and actually boost the immune system too.
It’s also more hydrating because of its high water content of up to 90%, meaning you can hydrate as you eat!
Oh, and Hippocrates, the father of medicine, is said to have located his first hospital beside a stream so that he could grow a plentiful supply of watercress to help treat his patients.
Watercress, brie and balsamic shallots
Smoked haddock and watercress fishcakes
Roast chicken and watercress platter
Watercress, chorizo and pepper puff pastry tart
But don’t just take our word for it – try these recipes courtesy of the lovely folk at www.watercress.co.uk and get healthier into the bargain. Don’t say we never do anything for you!
