The healthiest vegetable in the world? A bag of seeds costs only 35 CZK and can be grown in a box on the balcony

15. 4. 2026 Tips and Tricks

Forget about overpriced imported superfoods. The real power for your body grows quietly in the clean water of streams and rivers, and its health benefits surpass spinach, cabbage and broccoli.

A champion from the springs directly to your windowsill

You may have heard of it as an infallible indicator of nature's purity. Watercress, also known as watercress, simply won't grow in poor-quality or dirty water. Today, scientists regard it as the absolute queen of herbs.

That's because when the US experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compiled a list of the world's healthiest crops, watercress literally blew everyone away. It was the only one of all the species tested to receive a full 100 points out of 100.

It confidently surpassed spinach, cabbage, chard and broccoli.

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A vitamin bomb that costs nothing

But what does this mean for you and your body? With every bite, you get an unprecedented cocktail of substances that will keep you in shape. This inconspicuous herb is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, and also contains iodine and iron, as well as vitamin K1, which is essential for strong bones and proper blood clotting.

It also contains glucosinolates, which are substances that give watercress its typical sharp character and also act as a tireless protector for your cells. And when it comes to vitamin C, watercress easily beats many fruits in its content.

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Where to find it?

Watercress grows most often in shallow, clean, cool flowing water. As the name suggests, it is most often found along the banks of streams. It grows to a height of 30 to 90 cm and blooms with white flowers from June to July.

Watercress is most often collected from April (sometimes as early as March) to June, and experts recommend collecting the leaves before the plant starts to bloom, because then the leaves tend to be bitter and lose some of their valuable substances. But be careful, you shouldn't pick them in the wild, as watercress is a protected species.

So if you want this vitamin cocktail, it's better to try growing watercress at home.

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How to grow it

Are you tempted by its benefits and are you far from a forest stream with crystal water? You can grow watercress at home, although it requires specific conditions. Garden ponds are the most suitable, but it is also possible in a flower pot on the balcony. Watercress is suitable for a substrate with sand in a ratio of 1: 1. However, it is necessary to provide the plant with enough water and partial shade.

You can buy the seeds in specialized garden centers. Look for them under the names watercress or watercress. You can buy a package of 250 seeds for about 35 CZK. Garden centers will also advise you on how to best care for the herb.

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How to use it in the kitchen

Its taste is described as a cross between arugula and parsley, or as a combination of radishes and mild mustard. If you like slightly pungent flavors, watercress will suit you. It goes well with lemon, garlic, olive oil, potatoes or eggs. And if you cook it briefly, it softens and tastes almost like spinach.

It wonderfully enlivens every slice of bread with butter, cottage cheese spread or morning scrambled eggs.

Vegetable

From time to time it's good to bet on vegetables, especially seasonal ones, so why not use them in spreads, for example. Among the most famous is celery, which is based on boiled or fresh grated celery, often... See all vegetable spreads.

A small warning for your safety

Just one important note in closing. If you are taking blood thinners, such as Warfarin, it is better to consult your doctor. A large dose of vitamin K could interfere with the effects of your treatment. But for everyone else, watercress is the smartest and cheapest way to good health. It is simply a wonder that grows almost by itself and tastes absolutely delicious.

Our tip: Try the smoked salmon and watercress spread according to our video recipe. It tastes great and promotes health.