Asaliya seeds (Lepidium sativum), sometimes referred to as garden cress to distinguish it from similar plants also referred to as cress, is a rather fast-growing, edible herb. Garden cress is genetically related to watercress and mustard, sharing their peppery, tangy flavor and aroma. In some regions, garden cress is known as mustard and cress, garden pepper cress, pepper grass, pepperwort or poor person’s pepper.
Garden cress or aliv or halim is a green, cool-season perennial plant used as a leafy vegetable, typically used as a garnish. When mature, garden cress produces white or light-pink flowers, and small seed pods. It has long leaves at the bottom of the stem and small, bright-green, feather-like leaves arranged on opposite sides of its stalks at the top.
The seed contains arachidic and linoleic fatty acids. The seeds are high in calories and protein, whereas the leaves are an excellent source of vitamin A, C and folate. Cress (Lepidium sativum), sometimes referred to as garden cress to distinguish it from similar plants also referred to as cress is a rather fast-growing, edible herb. Garden cress is genetically related to watercress and mustard, sharing their peppery, tangy flavor and aroma.
Garden cress seeds are loaded with nutrition. When you learn about their health benefits, you’ll want to make them an part of your diet sooner than later.
This herb is the best source of iron and is hence recommended in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia.
It is also rich in folate, calcium, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, and beta-carotene.
The oil derived from Asaliya seeds is edible and can therefore be used as a cooking medium.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.