Water Cress

[Guest]

[happygolucky]

Went to the local garden store, asked what plants he would have that would grow good in water, the pot in about 4 to 6 inches of water, one suggestion he had was water cress, it has had little white blooms on it several times this year. It will grow over the edge of the pot and into the water, sends out roots that float and new leaves start. Fish don't seem to interested in the roots any.

[plays with fish]

Did you buy any?  It had very pretty leaves and you can eat it!  Its good in potato salad and on roast beef sandwiches with horseradish mayo!

[happygolucky]

yes I did buy 4 or 5 bunches and planted it. I use it as one of the plants in my bog filter system.

[plays with fish]

Let us know how it does!   We also love pictures!!

[bunnymp]

I have watercress in my falls.  I just stuck bunches of it in between the rocks.  It roots without dirt. 

[plays with fish]

OK...wheres your pictures!!   I wanna see I wanna see!!

[bunnymp]

It is nothing to brag about right now as watercress really do not like a lot of heat.  It will look better when it cools off a bit.

[plays with fish]

Yeah I know what you mean.  My floating hearts are looking shabby right now as well. 

[bunnymp]

I found the best watercress last night in Whole Foods.  The leaves and the root ball were large.  I bought it for cooking, but will return in a month or so to purchase it for the waterfall.  I think it will do much better than the small bunch I buy in the local supermarket (the one in the plastic container).

[plays with fish]

I've never eaten it...how do you serve yours?

[bunnymp]

It is popular in salads.  I use it in various dishes.  This time I am using it to make Pho. Pho is a Vietnamese soup.

[plays with fish]

I'm need to try some!

[bunnymp]

Did you want me to send you some?

[plays with fish]

Thank you for offering, but let me try to get it local first.  Save you the trouble!  What does it taste like? 

[bunnymp]

I found this....

Watercress greens, formally known as Nasturtium officinale, are a type of aquatic plant found in many parts of the world. A member of the mustard family, watercress greens have dark green crunchy leaves with a crisp mustard-like bite that adds a level of flavor to food whether used as a starring component or as a garnish. When harvested for food, watercress is collected before the delicate white flowers and green seed pods appear, because the leaves will grow woody and flavorless.

Watercress greens commonly grow along streams, ponds, and ditches, and can be found in standing water as well as growing on muddy ground. When watercress grows in the water, the leaves trail across the surface and provide shelter to other forms of small aquatic life. When watercress is found in mud or damp soil, the plant tends to creep like a vine. The edible leaves resemble feathers exploding from a central point at the root of the plant, and the flowers appear in clusters in the middle of the plant in season, which varies depending on where the watercress is growing.