How to Cut Watercress

Watercress is a member of the nasturtium family and grows along the banks of streams and ponds throughout the United States and Southern Canada. It prefers cooler climates and starts growing in the spring after temperatures warm. The plants have hollow stems that help the leaves float on the top of the water. The roots sink into the sand or mud along the shore. Watercress grows back after harvesting as long as the roots stay intact during the cutting process.

Scissors or knife
Bag or container
Cutting board

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a source for watercress in your area. Since it needs flowing water to grow, finding it in the wild may be easier than trying to establish a habitat for it in your yard or garden.
- 2
  Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the stems of the watercress. Dull scissors or knives will tug on the plant's roots, disturbing them so that the plant may die. Only harvest a few leaves from each plant, which helps the plants continue to grow and thrive.
- 3
  Place the watercress in a container or bag. When you get ready to use the watercress, rinse it thoroughly and cut off the stem above where you originally cut it to verify that any water-borne pathogens in the water near the bottom of the stem are removed. When you cut watercress to add it to salads or to use as a seasoning in food, place it on a cutting board and use a rocking motion with your knife so that you do not bruise the leaves.

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