Watercress Delivery or Pickup

Once used mainly as a garnish and a staple in the diet of Roman soldiers, watercress is now making headlines as one of the latest superfoods to hit the table. It has a piquant flavor, with spicy, peppery notes similar to those of radish or wasabi. The leaves, fruit, and stems are all edible and, while they are typically eaten raw, they can also be cooked or pureed and added to soups and sauces.

A member of the mustard family, watercress is an aquatic flowering plant grown in natural spring water. The perennial plant grows rapidly and is native to Asia and Europe. Watercress stems are hollow and float in water and produce small, white and green flowers. While it may be mistaken for a weed, it has a distinct flavor and many health benefits associated with it.

In addition to traditional watercress, there are three varieties that are practically interchangeable.

When buying watercress, look for dark green leaves without yellow or bruised spots, as well as firm stalks. Avoid the confusion of picking out the perfect watercress and save time, by adding it to your cart and having an Instacart shopper pick it up for you. You can even get your watercress delivered the same day so you can include it in your dinner!

Due to its high water content, watercress is highly perishable and can begin to go bad quickly if not stored properly. The vegetable lasts about five days when properly stored in the refrigerator. To store it, put it upside-down in a deep bowl with the stems submerged in cold water and cover the leafy tips with a plastic bag. Watercress can also be stored inside a container with a damp paper towel warped around it to keep it moist. Wait until you're ready to use the watercress to take it out of the refrigerator, otherwise, it will begin to go bad within the hour. 

While watercress can be frozen, how you plan to use it should be considered, as freezing it will change the texture. Most recipes require the watercress to have a crispy texture, therefore freezing is not a good idea as it will become soft. However, if you're using it in a soup or stir-fry, then freezing it is okay. To do so, it's best to flash-freeze it first. Wash the watercress, then place it on a tray that has been covered in wax paper. Ensure the leaves and stems are separated, then place the tray in the freezer for two to three hours. Once the watercress is frozen, immediately transfer it to an airtight container. It will last for about four months. 

When it's time to use the watercress, do not defrost it as it will become mushy. Rather, add it to your recipe and cook it straight from the freezer.