Watercress Powder

(Nasturtium officinale)

Nasturtium officinale — Common Watercress — is one of the oldest known leafy vegetables consumed by humans, an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial herb of the family Brassicaceae (the mustard family) native to Europe and Central Asia, where it grows naturally along the edges of cool, fast-moving freshwater streams, springs, and rivers. Watercress has been cultivated and gathered as a food plant for at least 3,000 years — it was a staple food of Greek and Roman soldiers, who believed it sharpened the mind and sustained endurance on long marches. The Greek physician Hippocrates is said to have established his first hospital near a stream to ensure a ready supply of fresh watercress for his patients. In 19th-century England, watercress was so widely consumed by the working class — eaten as a hand-held bunch with bread — that it earned the nickname "the poor man's bread." Today, watercress is recognized as one of the most nutrient-dense leafy vegetables available, ranking at or near the top of the CDC's Powerhouse Fruits and Vegetables classification. Its characteristic sharp, peppery flavor comes from glucosinolates — sulfur-containing compounds also found in broccoli, arugula, and mustard — which are released as isothiocyanates when the plant tissue is broken down. Our Watercress Powder is milled from whole Nasturtium officinale leaf, offering a concentrated, shelf-stable form of this ancient culinary green.

Nasturtium officinale leaf contains a well-documented nutritional profile including glucosinolates (primarily gluconasturtiin, the precursor to phenethyl isothiocyanate / PEITC), vitamin K (one of the highest concentrations of any leafy green), vitamin C, vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin E, folate, vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc; along with flavonoids (including quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and luteolin), hydroxycinnamic acids (including chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid), carotenoids (including lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene), alpha-lipoic acid, and dietary fiber. Available in Powder form.

Product Highlights

• Powder milled from whole Nasturtium officinale leaf — Common Watercress
• One of the most ancient cultivated leafy vegetables — consumed continuously for over 3,000 years by Greeks, Romans, and throughout European culinary history
• A member of the Brassicaceae (mustard) family — shares its characteristic peppery flavor profile with arugula, mustard greens, and horseradish
• Primary flavor compounds: glucosinolates (principally gluconasturtiin) — released as peppery isothiocyanates when the leaf is processed or chewed
• Ranks among the most nutrient-dense leafy vegetables per the CDC's Powerhouse Fruits and Vegetables classification
• Exceptional source of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A (beta-carotene), lutein, and zeaxanthin
• Rich in quercetin and kaempferol — flavonoids also found in kale, onions, and capers
• Available in Powder form (2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz)

How to Use

Smoothies & Juices: Add ½–1 teaspoon to green smoothies or fresh-pressed juices — pairs well with apple, cucumber, lemon, and ginger. Soups: Stir into finished soups just before serving to preserve color and flavor — excellent in potato, pea, or vegetable broths. Salad Dressings: Whisk into vinaigrettes for a peppery, herbaceous note. Dips & Spreads: Blend into hummus, yogurt dips, or cream cheese for a vibrant green color and mild heat. Pasta & Grains: Stir into cooked pasta, risotto, or grain bowls as a finishing powder. Eggs: Sprinkle over scrambled eggs, frittatas, or omelets. Seasoning Blends: Combine with sea salt, lemon zest, and black pepper for a versatile finishing salt. Bread & Savory Baking: Incorporate into flatbreads, crackers, or savory scones for color and flavor.

Available in Powder (2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.