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NASTURTIUMS

How I love this plant.

The flowers were a favorite of the Victorians, and in the language of flowers, they symbolize patriotism and fatherly love.

They are a visual delight, especially when my neglected garden looks somewhat sad. Nasturtiums gracefully fill in the bare spaces of a sparse garden, their abundant gift! Neglect is their most valued possession. They thrive in poor soil and semi-shaded positions, trailing through and cascading edible bright yellow, orange, and rust-red flowers. They even self-seed and surprise us in unexpected places. I add their peppery leaves and colorful flowers to salads, and their leaves to green smoothies when greens are scarce. For the tastiest nasturtium leaves, keep them well-watered, which helps to moderate their spiciness. They make wonderful garlands and colorful decorations on and around birthday cakes.

Nasturtiums secrete a mustard oil, which insects find attractive, and they will seek it out in preference to any cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and turnips growing nearby.  It is lovely to have them wander between crops to act as a decoy for insects and as a flavour- improving agent, however, slugs, as I have found, enjoy hiding beneath the shade of their broad leaves.  

benefits

  • Nasturtiums have a high concentration of vitamin C, iron, and other minerals and are also natural antibiotics.
  • The gentle antibiotic reaction makes it ideal for treating minor colds and flu. Eating a couple of leaves a day is said to help clear up acne.  
  • It is great for the hair, as nasturtium tea applied to the head and scalp increases circulation and hair growth.
  • It is also an excellent toner for oily skin.
  • Chewing the leaves is an excellent way to disinfect one’s mouth. They also boost appetite and stimulate digestion.
  • If you graze or scratch yourself while working in the garden, smearing a bruised leaf over the area will aid in swift healing.

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nasturtium tea

ingredients

1 cup nasturtium flowers

1-litre boiling water

preparation

  1. Place the flowers, leaves and buds in the boiling water in a jug.
  2. Cover and allow to brew for 15 minutes. Strain and drink or use as a hair rinse or toner. This is also a great spray to spray over plants to protect them against unwanted bugs.

 

NASTURTIUM PESTO

makes 1 cup

ingredients 

2 cups packed nasturtium leaves

1 cup packed nasturtium flowers

¾ cup cold-pressed organic olive oil

¾ cup lightly toasted walnuts

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

pinch of salt

preparation 

  1. Pick a basket of fresh leaves and flowers without any blemishes. If you are light on flowers, then leaves alone are fine.
  2. Thoroughly wash and dry the leaves and flowers; tear larger leaves in half.
  3. Place the leaves, flowers, lightly toasted and cooled walnuts, olive oil, salt, and parmesan in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  4. Ladle into a jar and drizzle over olive oil to prevent browning.

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References :

https://www.alchemy-works.com/tropaeolum.html

https://www.thewoodenspoon.net.au/recipes/nasturtiums/

Goodness shared from Stacey