What is the Difference Between Garden Cress and Watercress

The main difference between garden cress and watercress is that garden cress grows on the soil while watercress grows on water.

Garden cress and watercress are two plants that belong to the family Brassicaceae, which also include cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and broccoli. Their leaves are edible and we can eat them raw as salads. Both are rich in vitamins and several dietary minerals.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Garden Cress 
     – Definition, Features, Nutrients 
2. What is Watercress
     – Definition, Features, Nutrients
3. Similarities – Garden Cress and Watercress
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Garden Cress and Watercress
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Garden Cress, Watercress

What is Garden Cress

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the family Brassicaceae, which also includes members like kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. People also refer to it as cress or peppery cress. Garden cress is a fast-growing, edible herb. This herb is available all year round. This herb has narrow, oval leaves and produces a small white-to-pink flower.

Garden cress has a peppery, tangy taste and aroma. Due to this tangy flavor, many people prefer to use them in salads, sandwiches, and soups. All parts of these plants, including leaves, roots, and seeds, have uses. You can also eat garden cress as sprouts. In addition, the seed pods of garden cress can be used as a peppery seasoning. Garden cress is a very nutritious plant and is low in carbs and fats. It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin K and contains a moderate amount of vitamin A and potassium.  

What is Watercress

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is an aquatic plant that is often grown hydroponically. This means it is grown without soil in liquid solutions that are rich in nutrients. Furthermore, the watercress has small to medium leaves that take a round to slightly oval shape. These leaves are attached to hollow and crisp stems.

Watercress has a peppery, slightly bitter flavor. You can use them in salads as they provide a refreshing flavor. They are often served raw in sandwiches, salads, as well as smoothies. You can also cook them; in fact, you can lightly sauté them, just like the way you prepare spinach. Cooking also helps to reduce the spicy flavor of these leaves. Moreover, watercress has a high nutritious value. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, B6, iron, and protein. They also have a high calcium and potassium content.

Similarities Between Garden Cress and Watercress

• Garden cress and watercress are two plants that belong to the family Brassicaceae, which also include cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and broccoli.
• Moreover, their leaves are edible and are eaten raw in salads and sandwiches.
• Both are rich in vitamins and several dietary minerals.

Difference Between Garden Cress and Watercress

Definition

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is a cruciferous plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae, while watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is an aquatic, cruciferous plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae.

Growth

Garden cress grows on the soil while watercress grows on water.

Parts of the Plants

Many parts of garden cress, including seeds, sprouts, leaves, and roots, are edible. However, in watercress plants, we mainly consume the leaves.

Flavor

Watercress has a more pungent flavor and texture than garden cress.

Conclusion

Garden cress and watercress are two plants that belong to the family Brassicaceae. The main difference between garden cress and watercress is that garden cress grows on the soil while watercress grows on water.

Reference:

1. Alfaro, Danilo. “What Is Watercress, and How Is It Used?” The Spruce Eats.
2. “Cress.” Plant Village.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Garden Cress” By Optograph – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Watercress-produce-vegetable-food” (CC0) via Pixabay

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