Watercress

(sharing our natural approach to ranch living)
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     Watercress (botanical name: Nasturtium officinale) is rich in vitamins A, C and D, as well as in antibacterial agents and minerals.

Edible Uses: (pepper flavor)
  • salad
  • soup
  • sandwich topper
  • in a juice mixture

Medicinal uses:
  • digestive stimulant
  • diuretic
  • as a spring tonics
  • cleansing agents for urinary tract infections
  • treatments for liver damage
  • gallstones
  • bronchitis
  • anemia
  • thyroid
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Watercress grows in our creeks which are spring fed and very clean. We manage to get watercress almost year round because the water temperature stays around 37 degrees in the winter.
Caution:
   Harvest from running spring water sources.  Because it is a diuretic, it should not be used daily for extended periods.
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Watercress has a very strong flavor, so if you are adding it to a green smoothy keep the ratio to other ingredients higher. Adding some watercress juice then tasting is a fool proof method of not adding too much. It is full of nutrition!
Watercress Soup
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 potato - peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup watercress leaves for garnish
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 pounds watercress, large stems removed
  • 1/4 cup Creme Fraiche (optional)

    Directions
  1. In a large saucepan over medium high heat melt the coconut oil.  Add potato and onion then stir.  Reduce heat to medium cook covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Pour in the chicken stock and the milk, bring just to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir in the watercress and simmer, uncovered, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until watercress is just cooked.
  3. In small batches, transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Top each serving with a dollop of Cream Fraiche if desired and garnish with watercress leaves.
Makes 4 servings.
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The advice & statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Any information on this blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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