Finding Cress in Your Supermarket
Supermarkets consistently stock certain varieties of cress, with garden cress and watercress being the most common. Garden cress (Lepidium sativum), often sold in small plastic punnets on a moist substrate like cotton wool, is a fast-growing microgreen known for its peppery flavour. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is also widely available and known for its more robust, slightly bitter taste.
Where to look for cress
- Salad and Herb Section: This is the most likely place to find cress, particularly the small punnets of garden cress. Look for it next to other pre-packaged salad leaves, radishes, and spring onions.
- Packaged Salad Bags: Many supermarkets also include watercress in mixed salad bags. These are usually found alongside the individual bags of spinach and rocket.
- Produce Aisle Displays: In larger stores, dedicated stands for fresh herbs and delicate greens might be located in a refrigerated case. Both garden cress and bunched watercress may be found here.
What to expect from supermarket cress
- Garden Cress: Typically sold in small, transparent punnets with the seeds already germinated on cotton wool. It is sold with the intent of being eaten fresh and is a perfect addition to sandwiches or as a garnish.
- Watercress: Often sold in bunches or in plastic bags. It has a longer shelf life than garden cress and can be used in salads, soups, and other cooked dishes.
Growing Your Own Cress: A Simple Alternative
If you can't find cress at your local supermarket or simply prefer the freshest option, growing your own is remarkably easy and takes as little as one to two weeks from seed to harvest. This is a popular project for children and a rewarding experience for home gardeners of all levels.
How to grow cress indoors
- Prepare a container: Use a wide, shallow container. Repurposed plastic punnets from other fruits or vegetables work perfectly.
- Add growing medium: Place a layer of absorbent material like cotton wool, kitchen towel, or peat-free compost about 1cm deep.
- Moisten the medium: Saturate the material with water until it is damp, but not waterlogged.
- Sow the seeds: Sprinkle cress seeds densely across the surface. There's no need to cover them with soil.
- Cover and place: Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Place it on a bright windowsill.
- Harvest and enjoy: Once the seedlings have developed their first set of green leaves (around 5-10 days), snip them close to the base with scissors. Rinse before eating if grown in soil.
Comparison Table: Supermarket vs. Homegrown Cress
| Feature | Supermarket Cress | Homegrown Cress |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Immediate purchase, no waiting | Requires preparation and a short waiting period |
| Freshness | Fresh but has been through transport and packaging | Freshest possible; harvested moments before consumption |
| Cost | Relatively inexpensive per punnet | Very low cost per batch, especially buying seeds in bulk |
| Variety | Limited to common types like garden cress and watercress | Access to a wider range of seed varieties |
| Pesticide Control | Relies on producer standards | Complete control over growing methods, including organic |
| Sustainability | Involves plastic packaging and transport | Zero-waste, grown locally at home |
Cress Alternatives for When You're Stuck
If your local supermarket is out of stock or you're looking for a different peppery flavour, several great alternatives can be found in most produce sections.
- Rocket (Arugula): A member of the same family as cress, rocket offers a similar peppery, pungent flavour that makes it an excellent substitute. It's widely available in pre-packaged bags.
- Radish Sprouts: These have a milder, peppery kick similar to cress and are often sold alongside other sprouts and microgreens.
- Baby Spinach: While the flavour is milder and less peppery, spinach can serve as a substitute in salads and sandwiches for a similar green texture.
- Mustard Greens: For those seeking a more intense peppery flavour, mustard greens can be used in place of watercress in cooked dishes.
Conclusion
Supermarkets are a reliable source for cress, especially common varieties like garden cress and watercress, which are usually found in the salad or fresh herb section. While the selection may be limited compared to specialist suppliers, it's generally easy to find for salads and sandwiches. For those who prefer the freshest possible ingredients or want to explore more varieties, growing cress at home is a simple and rewarding process that ensures a constant supply. Alternatively, readily available ingredients like rocket or radish sprouts can provide a suitable peppery kick if cress is unavailable.
Uses for Fresh Cress
- In Sandwiches: The classic egg and cress sandwich is a staple, but it also pairs well with tuna, cheese, or ham.
- Salad Booster: Adds a zesty, peppery flavour to mixed green salads.
- Soup Garnish: Sprinkle it over soups for a fresh, spicy finishing touch, or blend it directly into the soup for a peppery flavour.
- In Scrambled Eggs: Stir into scrambled eggs just before serving for a vibrant, peppery kick.
- On Toast: Garnish avocado toast or cream cheese toast for a nutritious and flavourful topping.
History of Cress
The practice of growing and eating cress dates back thousands of years. Garden cress is native to Persia (modern-day Iran) and has been cultivated since ancient times. Watercress also has a long history, with references to its use as a salad green dating back to the Romans. In Britain, garden cress gained widespread popularity after being introduced in the 1960s, establishing itself as a staple microgreen.
Storing Your Cress Properly
To keep your supermarket-bought or homegrown cress fresh, follow these simple storage tips:
- For punnet cress: Keep the cotton wool moist. Store the punnet in the refrigerator, and it will continue to grow, extending its freshness.
- For watercress bunches: Trim the ends and place the stems in a glass of water, much like a bouquet of flowers. Cover the top with a plastic bag and refrigerate. This can help it stay fresh for several days.
- General tip: Avoid washing cress until you are ready to use it, as excess moisture can encourage mould.
Summary of Key Information
- Availability: Major supermarkets sell cress, with garden cress and watercress being the most common types.
- Location: Look in the refrigerated produce section, specifically with the packaged salads and fresh herbs.
- Home Growing: Cress is extremely easy and fast to grow indoors on a windowsill using just damp paper or cotton wool.
- Harvest Time: Homegrown cress can be ready to harvest in as little as 5 to 10 days.
- Alternatives: Good substitutes include rocket (arugula), radish sprouts, and baby spinach.
- Uses: Cress adds a peppery flavour to sandwiches, salads, soups, and garnishes.
- Storage: Keep cress fresh by maintaining moisture in its growing medium or storing bunches in a glass of water in the fridge.
Conclusion
Supermarkets do indeed sell cress, and for the average consumer, it is relatively easy to find. The key is knowing where to look in the store and understanding that availability might depend on the season or region. For those who enjoy gardening or want the freshest cress possible, growing your own is an effortless and quick alternative that provides a satisfying peppery crop with minimal effort. Regardless of how you acquire it, cress remains a simple yet flavourful addition to a wide array of dishes.
Visit the BBC Gardeners World Magazine for a detailed guide on how to grow your own cress at home.
