Nasturtiums are a total garden MVP. Not only do they brighten up your flower beds, but they also taste amazing and pack a serious punch when it comes to health benefits. If you’ve ever wondered which parts of the plant you can actually eat and how to use them, you’re in the right place!
Edible or Not?
The short answer? Everything! Every single part of the nasturtium plant is edible. Back in the Andes, where these beauties originally come from, the tubers were actually a staple food, prepared much like a potato. But for most of us, the seeds, buds, and leaves are the stars of the show. With the right prep, they can take almost any dish to the next level.
How to Use Nasturtiums in Your Kitchen
There are so many ways to bring nasturtiums into your cooking. As any home gardener knows, there’s nothing quite like the flavor of something you grew yourself. Nasturtiums add a lovely, peppery kick to your meals. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Infuse them into a floral vinegar
- Whip up a spicy nasturtium pesto
- Toss the leaves into a fresh summer salad
- Use them as a seasoning to give stews a little extra zing
Pro tip: You can chop up the leaves and freeze them in portions. When you’re making a soup or stew, just drop them straight into the pot!
A True Garden Superfood
It’s no exaggeration to call nasturtiums a superfood. In their native regions, they’ve long been used for wound care and disinfection. Because they’re loaded with Vitamin C, they’re a fantastic immune system booster, especially during the colder months. They also contain mustard oil glycosides, which help keep your gut healthy by knocking out harmful germs. Thanks to these compounds, nasturtiums even act as a natural antibiotic. To really soak up these benefits, try incorporating a little bit into your daily meals.
They are particularly popular for helping with respiratory issues like bronchitis. But that’s not all—nasturtiums can also be a big help with urinary tract infections, wound healing, and even soothing sore muscles.
The Verdict: A Must-Have for Every Garden
It’s honestly amazing what nature provides. Nasturtiums aren’t just eye candy; they make our food taste better and keep our bodies strong. That’s a triple threat if I’ve ever seen one! If you haven’t already, definitely find a spot for these all-rounders in your garden this year.
