Nasturtium

The nasturtium (tropaeolum) can be found everywhere at this time of year. It covers large patches of our garden. I love the abundance of yellow, orange and red flowers it produces.

But I also love it for other reasons.

You can eat the leaves, flowers and seeds. They do have a peppery, spicy taste.

I like the leaves and flowers in salads and I like to snack one or two seeds while working in the garden.

Nasturtium contain a high amount of vitamin C and the highest amount of lutein found in any edible plants. 

It is known for its strong anti-bacterial and anti-tumor properties- although I don't know how strong this is based on scientific research.

Some sources on the internet mention antibiotic properties, and suggest that they are most effective prior to flowering.

The nasturtium for sure is immune boosting because of the high vitamin C level- and this is what we are looking for these days, right?

The seeds can actually be kept in vinegar and be used as garnish similar to capers.

Nasturtium is native to South America and was brought to Spain in the middle of the 16th century.