who is familiar with PANCS (Non-Conventional Food Plants) You must have heard about the nasturtium and experienced its delicious taste. The plant is rich in vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, calcium and zinc, in addition to sulfur compounds. beneficial to the immune system.

The nasturtium (tropaeolum majus) is a plant native to the regions of Mexico and Peru that has adapted very well to the Brazilian climate in the south and southeast regions of the country, mainly.

Owner of very ornamental foliage and flowers, the nasturtium has been gaining more and more fans, either because it is a great option to have in vases, even in bright indoor environments, or to line outdoor flower beds due to its grounding and low temperature characteristics. maintenance.

However, more than its aesthetics, this plant is one of the most versatile in food purposesince its leaves can be used for salads, pâtés and stews, as well as its fruits for a delicious pickle and flowers to decorate dishes in general.

With a spicy flavor reminiscent of watercress and milder arugula, nasturtium offers its flavor to breads, pancakes, pizzas, stews, soups, risottos, sauces… The list is long and can grow depending on each one’s imagination! Due to this versatility, today it has been easier to find them, either for immediate consumption or for planting.

seedlings and planting

If you are interested in making your own seedlings, it can be through seeds, or branches from the mother plant. The stake should be removed from the plant with approx. 15 cm long and planted directly in substrate for seedlings and kept in the shade and with a moist substrate until it takes root.

For those who live in an apartment and want the pleasure of picking their nasturtium right away to make a delicious pesto, the tip is to plant it in wide-mouthed pots so that it has room to grow, and in a fertilized and well-draining substrate.

sun and pruning

For it to flourish, provide a daily amount of direct sun of no minimum 4 hours, otherwise, if it’s just a place with plenty of light, it will only develop its leaves.

Finally, once a year do a cleaning pruning on the nasturtium seedling, removing leaves and dry branches, so that it has the strength to develop, this provided with recurring fertilization with your preferred organic fertilizer.

Attention: the nasturtium is also successful with the ones, which are not silly or anything. Use natural tricks to keep them away, such as spraying a mixture of wheat flour diluted in water on its leaves.

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