nasturtium

tropaeolum majus

Native to South America, nasturtiums were used for centuries by the Incas. Brought to Europe by Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes in the 16th century, the plant became a popular edition to European cultivated gardens. Its latin name Tropaeolum was given by Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus because the shapes of the flowers and leaves reminded him of an ancient Roman war ceremony of piling up bloody helmets and shields around the trunk of a tree when victorious in battle.

The flowers were also given to soldiers as an emblem of victory, or woven into bright floral cloaks to adorn Roman armour. The plant is also favoured by the small white (or cabbage) butterfly, where females will lay eggs on the undersides of leaves and the caterpillars feed on the plant before turning into pupae. 

Both the flowers and leaves are edible and have a mustardy, peppery flavour. The flowers make a decorative garnish to soups and can be added to salads along with the leaves. The flower buds can be picked and pickled in vinegar and make a good substitute for capers. The leaves contain vitamin C, iron and antiseptic components. 

eat - stuffed nasturtium flowers

Nasturtiums have a mustardy, peppery flavour that’s similar to rocket - try this as a starter or canapé at a dinner party. Pick as many flowers as required (about ten look good on plate) along with enough leaves to cover the plate. In a bowl, mix ricotta/cream cheese (or vegan alternative) with finely chopped herbs of your choice (chives, basil, pot marigold petals) and season to taste. Spoon in a dollop of the cheese mixture into the centre of each flower, or use a piping bag for better accuracy. Place the filled flowers on top of a bed of their own leaves and serve immediately. 

grow

In late spring after the last frost poke seeds into compost about 1cm deep and water well. As seeds germinate (within 10-14 days) keep compost moist but not too wet. Nasturtium thrives in poor soil in a sunny position and grows well in containers. Cut flowers to extend flowering season but leave some for the bees and butterflies! The large seeds can be easily collected later in the year at the end of the flowering season. Seeds can also be started in early spring indoors or in a greenhouse.

Caution: If you have any health conditions, allergies or are pregnant, always do your research and consult a doctor or trained herbalist before consuming herbs; while wonderful they are potent plants and should be used with care and in moderation.