The cardamine family, as the foam herbs are also known, includes very different plants, some of which are annual and others perennial. The best-known species is probably the cuckoo flower, which transforms many a meadow into a delicate purple sea in spring.
There is also white flowering bittercress
What types of bittercress are there?
The cuckoo flower likes to grow in damp meadows, in alluvial forests and also on the nutrient-rich banks of ponds, streams or rivers. There it shows its white to pale purple flowers from April to June or July. Since the flowers contain a lot of nectar, numerous insects can be found on meadows with cuckoo flower.
The hairy bittercress is far less hairy than its name might suggest. In addition, it is quite inconspicuous but annoying and grows up to 30 cm high. The forest bittercress likes to grow in mixed beech forests and likes the same nutrient-rich, low-lime, nitrogen-rich and slightly acidic soil as the hairy bittercress. Its erect stems are 10 - 50 cm long, the flower color is white.
As the name suggests, bitter bittercress tastes quite bitter. It prefers a clayey-loamy soil and the proximity of cool water. Therefore, it is often found in alder swamps or forest swamps and less often in meadows. It belongs to the perennial species.
How to use bittercress?
Bitterweed is ideal for use in herbal cooking. However, do not consume it every day and only in small amounts so that it does not irritate your stomach. Consumption is not recommended if you have kidney problems. Bitterweed is a diuretic and blood purifier, making it an excellent spring cleanse and detoxifier.
Because bittercress also has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, it can also be used to relieve bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. Complex preparation is not necessary. Simply put a few young leaves in your salad or on a sandwich, mix them in herbal dishes or in a ready-made soup.
Different types of bittercress:
- meadowfoam
- Hairy bittercress
- Bitter bittercress
- Forest bittercress
tips
If you want to use bittercress in your cooking, just try the different varieties. They taste a little different. Older leaves usually taste more bitter than young ones.