Winter Food Foraging: Fresh Watercress
Chef Karl Benko forages fresh watercress on a 25-degree day
The hunting season never seems long enough for me.
If I can find a way to recapture the same soul stirring feelings that I get while hunting, then I have effectively made the season longer. That’s why I go looking for wild edibles.
I think the process of foraging is a great substitute for the times when you can’t hunt and fish. I get outside and focus on what is going on around us and in the environment. Case in point: the forest floor is covered in dried leaves right now but what of the vibrant green in the stream close by? The air temperature is 20 degrees yet this plant is healthy and growing luxuriantly.
Watercress is a rapidly growing aquatic or semi aquatic perennial plant found throughout Indiana. It is related to mustard, radish and wasabi, hence its nickname, pepper cress. The texture is crisp but not hard to chew. It is easy to work with as there is minimal preparation, it can be used in a multitude of dishes and makes a great stand alone salad. It is often used as a salad or soup component. A quick search on the internet will find numerous recipes for this great gree.
On New Year’s eve, WildIndiana Publisher Brent Wheat and I went for a walk in a park on the north side of Indianapolis to show him how easy watercress is to find and harvest. Watercress is a plant of clean, fresh flowing water such as found in springs or spring-fed creeks and is abundant in this park. You might need waterproof boots for harvesting in some areas but the plant typically only grows in shallow areas.
To prepare, wash the watercress fully before use and snip off the roots. The only safety precaution I suggest is not harvesting in areas that hold flood waters due to possible bacterial contamination. Younger plants are more flavorful and less fiberous but all are safe to eat.
My friend Sue Mogle and I grow our own at home as it grows great in a greenhouse,hydroponically or even in damp spots in the yard. I was traveling during the summer when some went to seed and when I came back, it was growing in numerous spots throughout the yard. I will have to let you know how well it comes back this next year. Though it grows abundantly in the wild, it is so easy to cultivate that you can have greens at your fingertips.
A spring filled with watercress
In spite of sometimes sour weather, please get outdoors and see what you can find. Foraging watercress is a great way to spend time with the family, collect some delicious gourmet food and break up the ever-present cabin fever.
Until the next time, enjoy life and cook the same way.
UPDATE: Check out the accompanying video for this story here
Editor's aren't supposed to fall in a mud hole on a 25-degree day!