| Upland Cress |
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Barbarea verna
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| Uses: Culinary/Medicinal |
Duration: Biennial (hardy in zones 5-9) |
| When to Sow: Spring/Late Summer/Early Fall/Anytime |
Ease of Germination: Easy |
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(Winter cress; Land cress)
Upland cress is a fast-growing alternative to watercress. It is delicious like watercress in sandwiches and salads but does not require damp growing conditions as watercress does. Easy to grow indoors or out, upland cress thrives in most zones, in sun or shade, moist or dry. Germination is quick in warm weather, and plants self-seed if allowed. Harvest when plants are 10 cm (4") tall or more. The peppery leaves add a spicy spin when boiled in stews or soups or tossed fresh in salads. Preliminary research released in 2010 found that upland cress is the best source of phenethylisothiocyanate, a compound found to be effective against chronic inflammation of the bowel.
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