Watercress

Watercress.
Who knew it was such a big deal.

I didn't even know what it was (other than leafy and green) until a few weeks ago.

Similar to arugula, it's slightly bitter and peppery in taste. And, contrary to popular belief- it is not a type of lettuce. It's actually a member of the mustard family.

Come to find out, watercress is the most ancient green vegetable known to man and its use can be traced back to the Persians, Greeks and Romans.

Not only that, but it's like the healthiest thing you eat.

Recent chemical analysis revealed that it's numerous nutrional benefits are due to its generous content of vitamins A and C, and the minerals calcium and iron. Watercress also contains folic acid (needed to promote growth, produce red blood cells, and prevent anemia).

Studies have shown that eating watercress on a regualr basis even prevents cancer!

Honestly, the uses for watercress are immeasurable. It's been used as a migraine reliever, hang over cure, hair tonic, tea to ease aches and pains, and ingredient in numerous soups, stews, salads, and sandwiches.

It has more iron than spinach, more calcium than milk and three times as much Vitamin E as lettuce. And- it's low in calories.

I'm sorry- but why isn't watercress marketed a little bit better. Seriously, who does it's PR?

After googling it, I came across http://www.watercress.com/
(a whole site dedicated to fans of the veggie. Check it out it's loaded with facts and recipes!)

And hidden on the bottom of the page was the following:

Some call watercress the most underrated, underused green in the garden, and suggest that its regular consumption could effectively reduce, if not eliminate, many of the world’s problems with disease and hunger.

I don't know about you, but I feel robbed. Where has watercress been all my life?

Shea