Watercress washed in what?

[drjohn]

I recently bought a bag of watercress from my local Tesco and noticed a stcker on the bag proclaiming it was washed in fruit extract or some other such nonsense (I forget the exact wording). Is this yet another example of adding value to a product?

[dzug]

Yep. Costs maybe 1p extra, doubles the price. It's what retailing food is all about.

[nickmo]

Hi drjohn - watercress needs to be washed before use but there is no need at all for packers to go to extremes. 'Spring water' is another one you see now.

Bear in mind that watercress loses the majority of its vitamins and a proportion of minerals as well within a couple of days of picking, so the bagged stuff - 4 days from harvest plus 3 days shelf life - is pretty pointless nutrition-wise. The misting on some bags is another way to extend shelf life by the way. nota feature of freshness...

Get some from local growers, ideally with roots on so it is a living plant, and just rinse at home and taste the difference.

A good UK organic grower is http://www.organicwatercress.co.uk/ with info about the growing process and where to buy or getit on line at: http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/frameset/sect/PVS.html

Watercress is seasonal, so enjoy until November.

[curiousity]

cant you just grow your own on blotting paper on a sunny windowsill like we did at school - fresh and cheap and decorative ????