Content
- Is the nasturtium edible?
- Which parts of nasturtium are edible?
- Production of flower vinegar
- Nasturtium as a remedy
- Tips & Tricks
Is the nasturtium edible?
The nasturtium is not only extremely tasty, but also very healthy. It is rich in vitamin C and contains mustard oil glycosides. Thus, it acts antiviral, antibiotic and antimycotic and is often used as a remedy for various infectious diseases.
Which parts of nasturtium are edible?
In the Andes, the original home of nasturtium, the Tuberous Nasturtium (Mashua) is grown as a crop. Their tuber is used similar to the potato and also consumed as a porridge or roasted. Dried, the tuber lingers for several years.
In our latitudes, only the aerial parts of the plant are consumed. The young leaves are ideal as a spicy sandwich or for salads, as well as the flowers. The taste of nasturtium is spicy-spicy, similar to the watercress, with which it is not related.
The nasturtium also finds frequent use as a caper replacement. Boil still closed buds or immature seeds in broth of vinegar, water and salt. Then pour the still hot mixture into a clean glass jar and shoot immediately. Stored cool and dark, your fake capers will last for a few months.
Production of flower vinegar
With the flowers of nasturtium you can make an excellent flower vinegar. To do this, place the unsprayed clean flowers in a wide-mouthed bottle and top it up with a mild vinegar. Recommended is apple cider vinegar or mild wine vinegar. The liquid must completely cover the flowers, otherwise there is a risk of mold.
Well closed, put your vinegar bottle in a dark place. Once a day you should shake this bottle well. Slowly the vinegar now takes on the taste and color of the flowers. After about four weeks, you can strain and use the vinegar.
Nasturtium as a remedy
To use nasturtium as a remedy, it does not need to be specially processed. It's enough to spice up your nasturtium or eat the leaves and flowers as a salad. From the grated leaves, however, can also make a tea that facilitates regular use. For half a liter of water you need about two teaspoons full.
If you want to strengthen your immune system and prevent colds, then incorporate nasturtium in your daily diet. About 40 grams of fresh leaves and / or flowers of nasturtium contain enough active ingredients for an immune boost.
Nasturtium is often used in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, such as inflammation of the sinuses or bronchitis, but also in bladder infections and other urinary tract infections. The leaves of nasturtium are externally applied to promote wound healing and relieve muscle pain.
Tips & Tricks
Due to its high content of mustard oil glycosides and vitamin C, the nasturtium is excellent for strengthening the immune system and for preventing colds.
UE