Spicy Cheese Spread With Nasturtiums

Spicy Cheese Spread With Nasturtiums

Ingredients:
1 bunch small radishes
1 tablespoon finely chopped nasturtium leaves
1 teaspoon lemon juice
8 ounces cream cheese

Directions:
Wash and remove the tops of radishes. Coarsely grate the radishes, leaving a few thinly sliced for garnish. Quickly blend the
grated radishes, nasturtium leaves, lemon juice, and cream cheese. Spread immediately onto thinly sliced rye or pumpernickel bread,
or onto rye crackers. If you want more bite, garnish with a whole nasturtium leaf or radish slices. This recipe makes about one cup of
spread.
The flowers can also be added to all salads. Their flavor is mildly hot and mildly sweet. The
young green seedpods can be eaten in salads or pickled and used as a caper substitute.
MEDICINAL USES The plant is a rich source of vitamin C.
OTHER USES Snails, strongly attracted to nasturtiums, can often be found attached to the undersides of
the leaves. Most of the conspicuous garden snails are an edible (and very nutritious) escargot (Helix
aspersa); by planting nasturtiums, you’ll be assured of a steady supply of this quality protein.
Detrimental Properties
If one who is unaccustomed to eating nasturtium takes too large a bite (especially the stems), an
almost certain result will be opened sinuses, a runny nose, and watery eyes. This is because
nasturtium has approximately the same hotness as fresh green onions. As with onion eating, these
physiological effects are temporary. In fact, labeling them “detrimental” may be considered false
advertising by some, since these effects are considered desirable by people who like hot foods.
Where Found
Nasturtium can be grown in most soils. It prefers poor soil, in which it usually produces an
abundance of flowers (in richer soils, it produces more leaves). It has also naturalized in the sandy
soil of some beach areas. This Peruvian native was first introduced to Europe in 1686.
Growing Cycle
Nasturtium begins to grow in late winter and early spring. By mid to late spring, the plant lays out a
carpet of colorful flowers, forming a beautiful ground cover. The plant is relatively short-lived, for
by the time the heat of midsummer comes, the entire plant will be dried up. Once established,
however, nasturtium will reseed itself year after year.
Lore and Signature
In the late 1700s, the famous Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus, noting that nasturtium was often
grown on poles, likened the plant’s brilliant flowers to the tropaeum (the gold-colored, blood-stained
helmets of the defeated warriors that were hung on poles of the Roman legionnaires). Hence, he
called the plant Tropaeolum.
Nettle
Urtica dioica
Nettle Family (Urticaceae)
Common Name Stinging nettle
Most Prominent Characteristics
OVERALL SHAPE AND SIZE The stalks—which are usually unbranched—generally reach up to five feet,
sometimes higher.
STALKS AND STEMS The main stalk, usually unbranched, is fibrous and covered with hairlike bristles.
LEAVES The tips of the oblong leaves taper to a point. The leaves grow opposite each other on the