Tag: Nasturtium officinale

Did you know that the common name "nasturtium" can actually refer to two different plants with distinct medicinal properties? This often-confused botanical classification is crucial for anyone seeking to use these herbs for healing, as their specific applications and effects can vary significantly based on the species.

The plant scientifically known as Nasturtium officinale, or watercress, is a highly nutritious and long-celebrated edible aquatic plant. Its leaves, stems, and flowers are all safe for human consumption, provided proper harvesting precautions are taken.

In a 2014 ranking of 'powerhouse fruits and vegetables,' the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded watercress a perfect nutrient-density score of 100. But beyond being the 'healthiest vegetable,' what is watercress considered by culinary and medical experts? It is a potent, semi-aquatic plant with a long history of use as both a food and a medicinal herb.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, is said to have set up his hospital near a stream to grow fresh watercress for his patients. This nutrient-dense aquatic plant, however, is known by more than just its most common name, watercress.

Originally native to Eurasia, watercress is a rapidly growing perennial plant with a peppery flavor. While commonly known simply as "watercress," this semi-aquatic vegetable has several other names, including its official scientific designation, which helps distinguish it from other similarly named plants.

Despite their similar-sounding names and semi-aquatic growing habits, watercress and water spinach are not the same plant and belong to two separate botanical families. Watercress is a member of the mustard family, while water spinach comes from the morning glory family, leading to significant differences in their flavor, texture, and usage.

Watercress was once rated the healthiest vegetable by the CDC with a perfect score, but its small, delicate form can be hard to spot. To find the best selection for your salads and soups, knowing what does watercress look like at the grocery store is essential, allowing you to choose fresh, vibrant bunches with ease.

Despite being ranked as a powerhouse of nutrition by studies, watercress can present certain risks for specific individuals. While a healthy addition to most diets, excessive consumption or pre-existing conditions can trigger adverse reactions you need to be aware of.

Watercress has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes since ancient times. Despite its long history and wide cultivation, many people wonder if this peppery green has a different name in North America. The straightforward answer is that what is watercress called in the USA is simply watercress.

While the vegetable 'water morning glory' is sometimes misleadingly called Chinese watercress, the two plants are entirely separate species from different botanical families. For gardeners, home cooks, and foragers alike, understanding the difference is crucial, making the question, 'Is watercress the same as morning glory?' a very important one.