Herb
Stem
Watercress stem is the plant’s structural stalk—edible when tender and peeled if stringy, or used for stock when fibrous. It carries mineral green flavour distinct from leaves or fruit. Trim dry ends, peel tough fibres, and cook until just tender for eating pieces. Woody cores go to the stock pot or compost. Match salt and fat to the stem’s mild bitterness or sweetness Taste a raw scrap—bitterness means longer cooking or peeling.
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Cuts & parts
Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 0.81 g
- Saturated Fat 0.19 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.38 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 23.6 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
- Total Carbohydrate 6.99 g
- Dietary Fibre 3.87 g
- Total Sugars 1.02 g
- Complex / starch 1.01 g
- Protein 2.9 g
- Water 87.9 g
- Energy 40.2 kcal
- Water 87.9 g
- Carbohydrates 6.99 g
- Protein 2.9 g
- Fat 0.81 g
- Saturated Fat 0.19 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.38 g
- Omega-3 0.04 g
- Vitamins 382 mg
- Vitamin A 15 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.08 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.15 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 1.01 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 2 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 77.5 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 1.9 mg
- Vitamin K 282 µg
- Minerals 385 mg
- Major Minerals 384 mg
- Trace Minerals 1.5 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 15 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.08 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.15 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 1.01 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.4 · vitamin-b6: 0.2 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 2 · vitamin-b9-folate: 77.5 · vitamin-e: 1.9 · vitamin-k: 282 ·
Minerals
Stem of Watercress: composition reflects this culinary part relative to the whole ingredient.
History
Market gardeners sold watercress with stems intact so buyers could judge freshness at the cut end.
Regional recipes learned when watercress stems were tender enough to eat versus best for broth only.
Prep kitchens portioned peeled watercress stems for consistent braises, stir-fries and stocks.