Nasturtiums: Beautiful and Useful

Nasturtiums are a flowering plant that is easily started from seed. Most are treated as annuals, however in some zones, some varieties will behave as perennials. They grow under many conditions in all but the most extreme climate zones. Some prefer direct sun, while others prefer shade. They are best sown directly into the soil as they do not like to be transplanted. Given the right conditions they are prolific in foliage and bloom, and can develop a bush like appearance. They are fast growing. Nasturtiums are often grown as an ornamental but has many other wonderful uses.

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To start off with it attracts aphids so is used around plantings as a way to keep aphids off of other plants. They are known to repel some types of caterpillars and squash beetles. They attract bees and humming birds. A non-gardener will not appreciate the fact they attract bees, but these are critical for the pollination of some plants, including fruit trees.
All parts of the Nasturtium plant are edible, but the flowers are what is most often consumed. The leaves have a very high Vitamin C content, while the seeds are high in iron. The flowers make wonderful garnishes on a plate or may be used in salads. The young leaves work well in salads or a stir fry, and have a mild peppery taste. These young leaves are also used as a pepper substitute. The young seed pods are used as a caper substitute, and are strongly peppery.

Pickled Nasturtium Seed Pods (Caper substitute)

1 ounce Salt
6-8 Peppercorns
1 pint jar
1 pint worth of green nasturtium seed pods
Wine or Apple Cider vinegar
Directions: Fill the pint jar with washed seed pods, salt, peppercorns, and wine, or apple cider vinegar. Seal and all allow to stand for several weeks before using.

Nasturtium Butter

1 pound butter
1 quart nasturtium flowers
1 tablespoon lemon, or lime, juice
Directions: Mix the ingredients in a blender or food processor, until well blended. Use on seafood, vegetables or Pastas. Can be put into molds, and frozen to create shapes.

Nasturtium Vinegar

White wine vinegar
Nasturtium flowers
decorative jar or bottle
Directions: Fill a jar with the nasturtium flowers, add the white wine vinegar, let sit for 2-4 weeks, in a warm place, but not in direct sunlight. Strain into a decorative bottle and use as a salad dressing, as a drizzle, or for adding flavor to cooking.