Have you tried arugula?

Arugula salad with strawberries, blueberries, and chicken. Tossed with balsamic vinaigrette.

I talk a lot about watercress here, but today is all about arugula.
B&W grows both varieties, both Great in salads, sandwiches, soups, sauces, frittatas, quiches, well, everything!
Arugula is often described as tasting like watercress but more peppery. Some facts about arugula are similar to those of watercress. Arugula was widely thought of as an aphrodisiac in ancient Rome.
It's spicy goodness is a healthy choice in any diet. It contains essential nutrients that help keep your body healthy, powerful in disease prevention, and a great aid in maintaining permanent weight loss.

Recently I discovered there's a liquer called "Rucolino" that is made in Italy, on the island of Ischia. The Chowhound shares a recipe on how to make your own here: http://www.chowhound.com/post/rucolino-983069 or you can buy it all sorts of places online.

Image from: http://www.ischiasapori.eu/prodotto-142806/RUCOLINO-10-CL-FIASCHETTA.aspx

There's a delicious recipe for arugula pesto, on our website: 

http://www.bwqualitygrowers.com/recipes/arugula-pesto/

Enjoy!

Pilgrims and watercress

In 1620, the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock on December 21, 1620. Did you know they are watercress? Initially they used it to battle scurvy, eating the crisp sprigs right from their hands.
The pilgrims found out that watercress is a nutritious powerhouse. It helped them perk up, it's a stimulant, it functions as a diuretic, aids in digestion, it can act as an expectorant, and is full of antioxidants. Also, it was inexpensive to grow, so even the poorest pilgrim could afford to benefit from watercress. Not only is watercress great for nutrition, and your entire person, it is a beautiful bright green that must have lifted the pilgrims' spirits as they gazed upon it.http://ediblecamino.com/2014/05/09/watercress-nasturtium-officinale/

link to sources: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/watercress-benefits-for-skin-hair-health/
http://ediblecamino.com/2014/05/09/watercress-nasturtium-officinale/

Happy Earth Day!

Are you looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day 2015? Here are some great ideas:
http://www.ibtimes.com/earth-day-2015-activities-15-ideas-ways-celebrate-mother-nature-become-environmental-1891090

And, I can't leave without sharing a great watercress salad recipe:

http://chaseblackwell.com/watermelon-radish-with-wild-watercress-cremini-mushrooms-and-honey-sherry-vinaigrette/

Watercress, Grapefruit, and Blueberry Salad

Truly a refreshing salad idea. Here's what you'll need to assemble this superfood treat super fast:


1 bunch of B&W Quality Growers watercress

Pink grapefruit segments from one grapefruit

2 small tomatoes, cut into fourths

A handful of blueberries

Almonds and cashews to your taste

Salad dressing of choice, I used a homemade combination of stadium mustard, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then shake to serve.


Assemble above ingredients and ENJOY!

You Paleo? Me watercress.

Are you interested in maintaining a low carb diet? Watercress contains Less than 3 carbs in a 2 cup serving, add to that the nutritional punch of this superfood and you will be Super You!

Look at the Vitamin A percentage on the watercress nutrition label! There is some research that suggests watercress can help maintain healthy vision.