watercress, Nasturtium Officinale: Versatile riparian plant

watercress, Nasturtium Officinale, is a pond plant for pond banks that can additionally be used for cooking.

Why is watercress so healthy?

watercress is a real powerhouse when it comes to nutritional value. Not only does it contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium and manganese, but it is also rich in carotenoids and Vitamin C that contribute to a healthy immune system. In addition, substances such as Vitamin K are essential for building and maintaining strong bones. In addition to these nutrients, watercress also promotes healthy digestion by aiding in the digestion of dietary fats. Good digestion, in turn, strengthens our natural defenses, contributing to overall well-being.

How can you eat watercress ?

watercress is a versatile vegetable that can be consumed in a variety of ways. You can add it raw to fresh salads or incorporate it into your daily smoothie for an extra healthy boost. In addition, watercress is also a flavorful addition to hot dishes such as soups. However, it is good to know that when you heat watercress , it may lose some of its strong flavor compared to eating the leaves raw. In short, whether you eat it raw or hot, watercress is always a tasty and nutritious choice.

Which is healthier cress or watercress?

Both watercress and cress are healthy additions to your diet. watercress stands out for its high iodine content, which is essential for a properly functioning thyroid. In addition to iodine, watercress also contains iron, folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system and overall health.

On the other hand, cress is also a nutritionally rich choice. Besides providing folate and iron, like watercress, it is also rich in vitamins A, E, C, B1 and B6. These vitamins play crucial roles in skin health, cell protection and energy production.

But if you are looking for a healthy option especially for the pond, water mint is an excellent alternative. Like watercress and garden cress, water mint offers several health benefits and can be used in a variety of dishes. Plus, it adds a refreshing mint flavor to your meals. water mint is not only an attractive plant for the pond, but it can also be picked and used in cooking, giving you the best of both worlds.

What do you use watercress for?

How to plant watercress?

The pond plant watercress can be planted in shallow water, pressing its roots into muddy or sandy soil. It is also possible to grow watercress in containers and then place them in shallow water. Planting should be done in a location with plenty of light, but not in direct sunlight, and the water should flow well to keep the plants healthy. watercress is best planted in the spring and can be harvested when the leaves are large enough.

Is watercress hardy?

watercress is semi-winter hardy. This means that it can survive light frosts, but more severe frosts can damage or even kill the plant. In colder climates, it is often advised to protect or bring watercress indoors during the winter.

water mint:

water mint is a hardy plant that stands up well to colder temperatures. In addition to its hardiness, water mint has the added benefit of its aromatic leaves that can also be used culinarily. In addition, it attracts a variety of beneficial insects, including bees.

creeping jenny:

creeping jenny is also a hardy aquatic plant. This plant has the ability to spread quickly, making it an excellent ground cover. This helps prevent algae blooms because it covers the pond floor, blocking the light that would otherwise feed algae.

Why water mint and creeping jenny are better alternatives:

For those looking for hardy aquatic plants that can withstand harsh winters, water mint and creeping jenny are better alternatives than watercress. They can withstand winter conditions better without additional protection. In addition, both plants offer additional benefits: water mint with its fragrant leaves attractive to insects and creeping jenny as an effective ground cover.