How to Keep and Store Watercress

Watercress loves to grow in sunny spots where water is abundant and the soil saturated. The plant’s peppery flavor tastes best when the leaves and stems are still young -- before the plant begins to flower. If you plan to harvest some of the watercress to complement a meal or favorite salad, only pick as much as you can eat. For a larger harvest, proper storage is essential to the integrity of this aquatic herb.

Things You'll Need

Jar, glass, cup or bowl
Perforated plastic bag

Paper towel or cotton cloth

Submerged Stems

Fill a jar, glass, cup or bowl with water.
Slip the stems of the watercress into the water just as you would a bouquet of flowers.
Cover the leaves with a perforated plastic bag, being careful not to let them touch the water.
Stand the watercress container in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.

Wrapped Stems

Dampen a paper towel or cotton cloth with water.
Wrap the stems of the watercress with the damp paper towel or cotton cloth.
Slip the entire bunch of watercress into a perforated plastic bag.
Place the covered watercress in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.

Store-Bought

Remove only what you need from the package.
Rinse the watercress under cool water. Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel.
Reseal the package of remaining watercress and store in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.

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