Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Flowers: July to October. Height: 30cm (12in).
Brought from Peru to France in 1684 and then on to Britain. Nasturtium was a valued plant and called Indian Cress because of its similarity in flavour to watercress.
Medicinal: It was known as an antiseptic, anti inflammatory, and good for treating scurvy and influenza due to its high vitamin C content.
Culinary: Flower heads were popular in salads and flower buds, pickled in vinegar, tasted like capers.
