Like many other vegetables in the crusiferous family, including kale, broccoli, and cabbage, cress contains glycosides and mustard oil. These substances stimulate the metabolism and kidney activity, strengthen the stomach and gallbladder. Cress is also believed to have a curative effect on joint disorders and gout. Cress is also an important source of calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamins C and E, which are two antixidants nutrients that help protect the cells from damage by free radicals. Garden cress can be found in most markets year round, but can be easily grown on a windowsill or in a home garden.
Homegrown cress is preferred over store bought cress because of the flavor and the nutrients in it.
Rich in beta-carotene, vitamins and minerals. The young garden cress spouts are the part that is eaten. Cress also helps to purify the blood and stimulate the appetite. Garden cress is a cool season annual that bears white or light pink flowers in June or July. It has long leaves at the bottom of the stem and small bright green feathery-like leaves arranged on opposite sides of its stalks at the top.