Incorporate Watercress into Your Menu

Upgrade your menu with the addition of watercress! This culinary gem not only introduces a burst of peppery sophistication, it also enhances visual appeal with its vibrant green hue. Infusing a crisp and distinctive flavor, watercress lends a unique character to dishes, elevating salads, soups, sandwiches, stir-fries, and more!

Beyond its culinary charm, this leafy green comes packed with health benefits. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium, iron, antioxidants, and more, watercress contributes to overall well-being. As diners relish the revitalizing flavors and captivating visuals, they’ll simultaneously embrace a nutrient-rich treat aligning with your menu’s dedication to both taste and well-being.

Here are a few tips on how to seamlessly implement watercress into your menu and daily diet:

1. Watercress and Fruit

Pairing watercress with fruit enhances the overall flavor profile and offers a delightful balance that transforms the peppery notes of watercress into a harmonious and refreshing experience. The natural sweetness of fruits like apples, strawberries, or citrus, combined with watercress’s peppery taste, creates a more palatable and enjoyable dish. Additionally, this culinary pairing allows you to easily incorporate the numerous health benefits of watercress into your diet. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, watercress becomes a powerhouse of nutrition when combined with the vitamins and fiber present in fruits.

Test this out by trying our Strawberry Pecan Salad Blend.

2. Adding Watercress to Pasta

The combination of watercress with your favorite pasta dishes emerges as a flavorful duet. Picture twirling strands of al dente pasta coated in a vibrant watercress pesto or tossed alongside the leafy green’s fresh, peppery notes. This dynamic combination not only elevates the taste profile of your pasta, but also introduces a symphony of nutrients. Whether nestled in a creamy alfredo or dancing in a zesty marinara, the addition of watercress effortlessly enhances both the flavor and nutritional value of your beloved pasta creations.

Our Watercress and Lemon Pesto Pasta is the perfect combination of flavor and nutrients.

3. Make Dips using Watercress

Blending watercress into spreads for crackers or toast offers a savory alternative, enhancing the nutritional content of snacks and appetizers without compromising on taste. Whether crafting a creamy avocado dip or a classic hummus, the addition of watercress introduces a vibrant peppery kick and a burst of color. Simply toss a handful of washed watercress into your blender along with other ingredients and watch as it infuses your dip with a refreshing twist. This method not only caters to diverse palates but also ensures that reluctant green eaters can effortlessly incorporate the benefits of watercress into their daily diet.

This Watercress Pesto paired with crackers is perfect for those who love a savory snack.

4. Cooking Watercress in Olive Oil, Butter, and Garlic

Our Continuous Improvement Manager, Adam Honour, shared his helpful insights when it comes to cooking with watercress. Infusing watercress with the enticing flavors of olive oil, butter, or garlic during cooking is a culinary technique that transforms its peppery intensity and ensures that its nutritional benefits remain intact. Adding these ingredients harmoniously mellows out the peppery notes of watercress, creating a more approachable and palatable taste. The richness of olive oil or butter adds a softer texture, while the garlic contributes a savory depth that compliments the leafy greens. This thoughtful combination not only makes watercress more appealing to those sensitive to spices, it allows individuals to enjoy its wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants without compromise.

Our Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Watercress Recipe combines these flavors, creating a delicious and nutritious dish.

5. Meal Prepping Watercress (DeLeo’s Tip)

Our CEO, Mark DeLeo, revealed how he incorporates watercress into his daily diet – he meal preps his watercress at the start of each week by chopping it up. This simple, yet effective practice enables you to effortlessly infuse the numerous health benefits of watercress into all your meals. Prepping the watercress in advance ensures easy access to this powerhouse green throughout the week, seamlessly incorporating it into various dishes. This approach saves time and encourages a consistent and convenient way to elevate the nutritional content of every meal.

6. Watercress Hot Pot

Embrace the versatility of watercress by adding it to your hot pot experience. This leafy green effortlessly integrates into hot pot dishes, contributing both flavor and nutritional value. As the hot pot simmers, the robust and slight peppery essence of watercress infuses the broth, creating a savory base that complements various ingredients. Simply add fresh watercress leaves to the pot, allowing them to wilt and release their distinctive taste into the bubbling concoction. Beyond flavor enhancement, watercress introduces a wealth of vitamins and minerals to the communal feast. You can thank our Sales Manager, James Wong, for the inspiration on this hot pot tip.

Adding this vibrant green to your dishes is a simple, yet effective way to elevate both flavor profiles and visual appeal. From salads to soups, sandwiches to spreads, and so many more, watercress brings a peppery kick and a burst of freshness that effortlessly transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. Its versatility extends across various cuisines, making it an easy and adaptable ingredient to integrate into your existing menu. Beyond its flavor, watercress packs a nutritional punch, offering a wealth of vitamins and minerals. This small but mighty addition enhances the overall dining experience and underscores your commitment to both taste and well-being. Upgrade your menu with the easy sophistication of watercress, inviting a wave of freshness and culinary excellence to your establishment.

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Author: Julia Wisk, a digital marketing professional with a creative edge