Nasturtium
Nasturtium – Tropaelum majus
Often considered a weed, this versatile plant is fantastic to have in your home garden. It is a trap plant, attracting pest bugs away from your vegetables and fruit. It is a warming circulatory stimulant, helping to improve blood flow throughout the body. There is also research which supports claims about its use as a diuretic. The leaves, flowers and berries can be eaten and have a wonderful peppery flavour. You can use the leaves and flowers on your salads or in pesto and the berries can be pickled and taste just like capers!
By Patrice Kelly – Naturopathy Tutor at Wellpark College
Nasturtium Pesto Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup tightly packed nasturtium leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 large garlic clove – peeled and roughly chopped
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
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Wash and dry the nasturtium leaves
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Toast the pine nuts in a small saucepan over a low heat until just browned
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Add all the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and whizz until smooth
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Spoon into a clean jar
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Keeps in the fridge for about 10 days
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