Eating in China
AI-generated editorial illustration of Watercress.

Watercress

西洋菜Xīyángcài

A peppery leafy green used in soups as well as uncooked preparations. Cooking softens its leaves and tempers the sharpness.

Type
Vegetables

A CLOSER LOOK

How to recognize it

Small, rounded leaflets grow along the stems. It is distinct from the ornamental plant often called nasturtium.

In the kitchen

Simmered with pork ribs in Cantonese watercress soup.

Young leaves and stems are tender; thicker stalks give more bite. Raw and cooked preparations have different textures and intensity.

Ask about this ingredient

这道菜里有西洋菜吗?

Does this dish contain Watercress?

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