Heirloom Greens - Wintercress

Healthy food enthusiasts along the Atlantic Seaboard can sometimes find wintercress (winter cress) during the winter season. This nearly forgotten member of the mustard family originates from Europe.

Wintercress grows wild in parts of North America. This small, pungent green is often described as a weed or wildflower.

In some areas, the plant is grown and harvested for consumption during the fall and winter. Look for wintercress at farmers markets, pick-your-own farms or in private gardens.

Wintercress is delicious, boiled or steamed with a little bacon for flavoring. The stems are stringy and should be cut short before cooking.

How to Cook Turnip Greens

Turnip greens are leafy green vegetables that are often served during traditional holiday meals in North America. These healthy greens are harvested from turnip plants. Not only are the leaves edible, but so are the roots.

In most areas, turnip green leaves are only harvested during the late Fall, Winter and in Spring when their flavor is not too strong.

Turnip green recipe ingredients may include salt pork, bacon, pepper, herbs, cooking oils, wines, baking powder, or other foods.

Cooking methods generally include boiling the leaves for long periods. Turnip greens can also be simmered with a small amount of liquid, steamed, or added to soups.