How to Choose, Store, and Use Watercress

Choose watercress with perky dark-green leaves. Want less bite? Look for its milder cousin, upland cress.

Think fresh flowers: Arrange a bunch in a glass of water, cover loosely with a plastic bag, and store in the fridge. If you're short on real estate there, you can store watercress in a plastic bag in the crisper. Either method should help you keep your greens fresh for up to five days.

Before using watercress, wash it, then shake or spin dry. Mix it with your favorite salad greens; add it to sandwiches; or try it as a bed for grilled or roasted meat or as a pretty peppery soup garnish.

Try our Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Watercress Pesto & Lentil-Black Rice Salad

Try our Curried Egg Salad Sandwiches

Get more recipes: Eight Fresh Watercress Recipes