Nasturtium
Culinary Use, Storage, & Benefits
Vegetable Profile: Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Description
This delightful plant has edible leaves and flowers with a light, peppery flavor similar to mustard or watercress. The flowers come in a wide variety of colors, from peach to burgundy to yellow to white and all combinations between. The leaves are circular, giving them a wonderful lily-pad like appearance. They are easy to grow, and thrive in well drained soil with full-sun to part-shade.
Nutrition
Nasturtium flowers and leaves are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants. They help to stimulate appetite and improve digestion.
Storage
Flowers are delicate, and should be used within 2-3 days and kept in the fridge in a water-tight container until then. Leaves are a bit more sturdy and will keep 4-5 days.
Use
For best flavor and enjoyment of their beauty, use them raw in lettuce salads, sandwiches, appetizers, egg or potato salad, or even freeze them in ice cubes for a fun cocktail feature.
Sources:
SpecialtyProduce.com
The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood
Asparagus to Zucchini by Fairshare Coalition
Produce: A fruit and vegetable lover’s guide by Bruce Beck
Our own experience!
