Watercress is ‘Perfect Food’ Throughout the Ages
• Ancient Greeks thought watercress made them wittier and cured deranged minds
• Early Persians fed watercress to their children to improve growth
• Greeks, Persians and Romans fed watercress to their soldiers to make them stronger
• Medieval medical books hailed watercress as a prime ingredient in libido-enhancing recipes
• During the Elizabethan era, the English used watercress as a ‘pick-me-up’
• Culinary expert James Beard described watercress as a "pure delight"
• Modern researchers believe watercress has important cancer-fighting properties
• Watercress is recognized as the number one source of folic acid, 50% more than broccoli
• Watercress is believed to be native to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean
• A wild green, watercress was first cultivated in Germany in the 16th century
• The first watercress beds were constructed in Great Britain in the 1800s
• The Chinese add watercress to soups and main dishes
• The French uses watercress in sauces and soups
• The Italians include watercress in their minestrone soup for added zest


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