Wading in the Watercress

It’s that time of year. The time of year where many of us are itching to dig in the dirt, sow some seeds and taste some of the first greens/produce that the season has to offer!

Fortunately for me one of my favorite greens does not require a whole lot of waiting once the snow is gone. For any of you that know me, I arrived at Planet Earth with a huge amount of zest and eagerness and a very small amount of patience.

Over the weekend I found it to be the perfect time to go harvest my first batch of the season. Of course taking along my baby cubs to teach them to gather their own food was part of the equation as well.

Scissors in hand and Gavin with his pocket knife on his hip and Draven with his water gun (not sure why he chose this accessory, he’s two and wanted his own tool) off we set to our fresh water spring.

For anyone whom is unfamiliar with watercress it is an aquatic plant and can be found in fresh water springs or can be grown in a hydroponic system. It thrives best in slightly alkaline water.

Harvesting watercress is really very simple and fun. The roots and part of the plant are underwater and some of the leaves float up above the water. You simply grab a small handful and gently pull the plant a couple inches above the water and trim it off. You don’t want to pull the root completely out of the water nor do you cut the root. Just trim the leafy green leaves and fill your bag! If you don’t pull the roots from the bottom of the waterbed it will grow back!

Watercress can be used many different ways. Sometimes you will find in as garnish on fine cuisine. It is often eaten as a salad either mixed in with other greens or alone. This is my favorite way. Also it can be juiced or eaten on a sandwich or in a wrap. I have also eaten it when it was prepared as a pesto instead of using basil. It has a spicy nutty flavor.

Cleaning watercress is quite simple as well. You do want to make sure that you give it a good rinse/wash to rid it from any dirt, mud and possible water born insects. I just put mine in a colander or bowl under cold running water and rinse really well. Making sure to wash small amounts at a time and tossing and turning it will ensure that you get the cleanest green possible.

The same evening we harvested it, I made dinner salads with it! I mixed it with some mixed greens from a local farmer. I also added some veggies to the salad! The health benefits are just as amazing as the taste and appearance of the salad!

I highly recommend that you check out the long list of health benefits that eating watercress promotes.

Harvesting watercress every Spring is something that I always look forward to and I hope that my boys will appreciate it and continue to gather their own healthy goodies that Mother Earth has to offer!! The more natural foods we can gather and feed our bodies, the happier and healthier beings we will be.