Nasturtiums: "The Nose Twister"

Nasturtiums were given the Latin name “Nasus tortus” which means "convulsed nose" in reference to the expressions some people made when they tasted this peppery plant. Nasturtiums were discovered in Peru in the 1500’s by the Spanish and introduced and made popular in England in the late 1600’s. The English referred to this plant as “Indian cress” because it tasted similar to watercress. During WWII, dried and ground nasturtium seeds were used in place of black pepper which had become scarce at that time. This can still be done today. Nasturtiums come in a wide range of colors from orange to red to pink.

Both the leaf and the bloom of nasturtiums are edible and have a peppery taste. Whole or chopped, nasturtiums can be used in soups, salads, butters, or as decoration on a cake. The most popular use is that of a garnish. The blossoms are quite durable and can even be used in a way such as putting cream cheese on top of the bloom and then wrapping the petals around the cream cheese. Nasturtium blooms can be pickled and then used in place of capers.

The nasturtium plant is very high in vitamin C and the Peruvians used the plant for coughs, colds, and the flu.

This plant is a tough plant which makes it ideal for the garden. It demands little attention and can grow well in poor soil. In fact, if planted in rich, organic soil the plant produces more leaves and fewer blooms. This plant is considered an annual that reseeds itself year after year and is also drought tolerant.

Nasturtiums are a good landscape design plant. There are climbing and compact varieties. The climbing variety is great for window boxes and hanging baskets. The compact varieties, such as "Whirlybird," are good for creating an edge around other planting beds.

Nasturtiums are a great starter plant for children. The seeds are large which makes them easy to handle. The seed germinates quickly and grows fast so that the children can see results soon.

Nasturtiums are also a good ‘companion plant’ in the garden. This is in reference to the ability of the plant to lure certain insects such as aphids and whiteflies from other plants and vegetables in the garden. In this instance, one would need to spray the nasturtium plant to kill those insects. I would suggest using an organic base spray that is not harmful to people or the environment. Personally, I like using botanical based products which can be found on websites such as I Must Garden. As always, wash leaves, blooms, and fruits from any plant that is to be eaten.

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