The Wonders of Watercress

Distinctive Flavor and Versatility in a Powerful Green Leaf

Culinary preferences have been leaning towards more healthful and nutrient-dense foods for some time. While kale has been hogging the spotlight as the nutritional darling among edible greens, watercress has been overlooked. What’s surprising is that watercress packs an equally healthful punch and is considered the most nutritionally dense green on the planet. From a culinary perspective, it's undeniably more flavorful and tender.

Watercress is one of the oldest foods known to man. Recognized historically for its medicinal applications, there's a well-founded body of science to support its abundantly healthful properties.

This cruciferous green is naturally low in calories; packed with 28 vitamins, minerals and compounds; and a great way to naturally boost immunity. Stunningly high in antioxidants, watercress displays remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It has received a perfect score on the CDC and ANDI nutritional scales, earning its reputation as a true “superleaf.” While collard greens, mustard greens and kale display nutritional value as well, watercress is unrivaled in culinary and sensory appeal.

In the foodservice arena, watercress is lending its vibrant green color and flavor suggestive of black pepper to a variety of dishes throughout the menu. It seems that increasing numbers of leading chefs have been learning about watercress, finding it an incredibly tender, versatile and flavor-forward ingredient that provides a noticeable lift to the dishes they create.

Michael Ponzio, Executive Chef at the Union League Club of Chicago, reveals, “I’m a big fan of watercress. It adds a ton of fresh flavor and depth to salads and sandwiches, contrasts nicely to the char on grilled meats, makes a great soup and pesto, and adds a touch of elegance to every dish. The fact that it’s incredibly healthy and holds up nicely on the plate makes it that much more attractive.”

In a similar light, Mark DeLeo, CEO for B&W Quality Growers (a stalwart producer of watercress since 1870) says, “While Asian and Latino chefs have been fans of watercress for a long time, we’re seeing marked increase in awareness and demand among global cuisines and across every foodservice segment. We’re finding that more and more chefs are becoming aware of this remarkable leafy green and have recognized its utility. They’re finding a place for it spanning day parts and menu parts and appreciate that it holds up well in take-out and home-delivery orders.”

With its incredible health and culinary benefits, fresh and vibrant watercress is the perfect compliment to every menu, from fast to upscale casual to fine dining and everything in between.

For recipe ideas featuring watercress, visit bwqualitygrowers.com.