This species belongs to the cabbage family, which is rich in very he althy and tasty vegetable plants, such as broccoli, rocket, Chinese cabbage or well-known head cabbage (white, red, Italian).It occurs naturally in Europe and Asia, although not very often in Poland, mainly in the western and southern part of the country.
This plant provides significant amounts of provitamin A (carotene), vitamin C (not even inferior to parsley), and vitamins from the gr. B and E, K, as well as mineral s alts: potassium, iodine and iron. Additionally, like other brassicas, it has anti-cancer properties.
Watercress cannot be obtained from natural sites, as it is under strict species protection in Poland. But this species is perfect for growing either in natural conditions - on the shores of a pond, pond or drainage ditch, or at home or on a terrace in containers.
Watercress is a perennial and can be treated as an annual plant in container cultivation.Creates shoots up to 90 cm high, and the habit may be erect or creeping, then the shoots reach a length of up to 2-3 m, taking root in the internodes. It blooms from June to September, and the tiny white flowers are similar to other species in this family, incl. rocket, or rocket.
The extract of this plant is used in the treatment of avitaminosis, moreover, it has diuretic, hypoglycemic, antiscorbutic, expectorant, laxative and stimulant effects. It stimulates the digestive system and improves appetite, but it is not recommended for people with heartburn problems. May be used externally as a poultice for cold sores, sores or boils.
Rukwi harvest
The edible part is the leaves, young shoots, and seeds used after grinding as a seasoning, like mustard.Watercress has quite an intense flavor, relatively spicy, with a slight bitterness, therefore the fresh leaves are also used as a spice or as a vegetable, e.g. stewed in butter. The glycoside of bovine oil is responsible for this taste.
It becomes even more intense during the flowering period of plants, and also when grown in full sun, which is why watercress is most often harvested before it blooms, which in garden cultivation takes place in early spring.
Cultivation and care
Watercress Nasturtium officinale prefers slightly or completely shaded positions - its leaves are then juicier and more delicate in taste.
In container cultivation of cress, you can use hydroponics, i.e. cultivation without a substrate, in water, e.g. in a glass bowl filled with pebbles and water, which will also have a decorative function.Of course, the use of the substrate is also possible, but it should be ensured that it is constantly moist.
A substrate that retains moisture for a long time will work well here, for example, chopped straw after a short composting period. The peat substrate can also be used, but then the pot with the substrate should be placed in a larger casing to be able to provide the plants with an adequate water reservoir.In some countries of Western Europe (including Germany, the Netherlands, England and Switzerland), watercress is commercially cultivated in specially constructed pools with very little water flow.
