DrFeb
Health Guide

Land Cress

Meet Land Cress (*Barbarea vulgaris*), the peppery, nutrient-dense wild green often called 'Winter Cress' or 'Scurvy Grass.' While it grows wild in fields and along roadsides, it's a culinary powerhouse hiding in plain sight. Think of it as nature's multivitamin, offering a bold flavor profile similar to watercress but with a robust resilience that allows it to thrive in colder months. Historically used to prevent scurvy due to its high vitamin content, this leafy green is making a comeback among health enthusiasts. It’s not just a weed; it’s a functional food packed with glucosinolates—compounds known for their potent detoxifying properties.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Land Cress
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Vitamin C Concentration (mg per 100g)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Vitamin C (mg)
Vegetable →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Immune System Armor: Packed with Vitamin C (often exceeding oranges by weight) to fight off infections.
  • Natural Detoxifier: Contains glucosinolates that support liver health and cellular cleansing.
  • Bone Strength: A surprising source of Vitamin K and calcium, essential for bone density.
  • Antioxidant Powerhouse: Rich in carotenoids and flavonoids that combat oxidative stress.

Deep Dive

Land Cress is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning it belongs to the same family as broccoli and kale. This family is famous for containing glucosinolates. When you chew this green, these compounds convert into isothiocyanates, which act as a biological 'switch' to activate your body's natural detoxification enzymes. It's like giving your liver a fresh set of tools to clean house. Furthermore, its incredibly high Vitamin C content (essential for collagen production) supports skin health and wound healing, making it a true survival food turned superfood.

Natural Food Sources

Land Cress is best enjoyed fresh. It grows readily in damp soils, meadows, and waste places. It is a hardy biennial, meaning you can often forage for it in late autumn when other greens have died back.

Food SourceServing SizeNutrient Highlight
Land Cress (Raw)1 Cup (approx. 50g)Vitamin C: 45mg+ (50% DV)
Lemon1 MediumVitamin C: 30mg
Spinach1 Cup RawVitamin C: 8mg

Supplementation

Unlike common vitamins, you won't find Land Cress in a pill bottle at the pharmacy. The best way to supplement is through dietary inclusion.

  • Usage: Eat raw in salads for a peppery kick, or sauté lightly (like spinach) to mellow the flavor while retaining nutrients.
  • Who Should Take It: Anyone looking for a natural Vitamin C boost or liver support, particularly during the winter months when fresh produce is scarce.

Top Food Sources

Foraged Land Cress
Best source; eat raw or cooked
Kale
Alternative cruciferous green
Broccoli Sprouts
Very high in sulforaphane
Mustard Greens
Similar peppery profile

Frequently Asked Questions

It has a distinct peppery and slightly bitter flavor, very similar to watercress or arugula. It adds a great 'zing' to salads.
Yes, in moderate amounts. Because of the goitrogens, it's best to rotate your greens rather than eating the same one exclusively.
No, but they are related. Watercress grows in running water, while Land Cress grows in damp soil or fields. They share a similar flavor profile.
You can forage for it in the wild (ensure proper ID), buy seeds to grow it yourself, or look for it at specialty farmers' markets.

Safety & Side Effects

Land Cress is generally very safe for consumption. However, because it is a wild plant, there are two main cautions:

  1. Misidentification: It resembles other wild plants. Ensure you have correctly identified Barbarea vulgaris (look for the shiny, dark green rosette of leaves in winter).
  2. Goitrogens: Like many raw cruciferous vegetables, it contains compounds that can interfere with thyroid function if eaten in massive quantities. Cooking deactivates most of these compounds. Moderation is key.

Scientific References

  • [1]Nielsen, J. K., et al. (2018). 'Glucosinolate profiles in Barbarea vulgaris.' *Phytochemistry*.
  • [2]Kroon, A. C., et al. (2019). 'Winter cress as a source of Vitamin C and K.' *Journal of Functional Foods*.
  • [3]Fahey, J. W., et al. (2001). 'Sulforaphane: A inducer of Phase II enzymes.' *Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine*.