Cress

Peppery · Fresh · Lively

Cress microgreens are small, delicate and full of character. Their fresh green leaves deliver a distinctive peppery flavour that can instantly brighten simple everyday dishes.

Although their appearance is delicate, their flavour is surprisingly lively, making Cress a wonderful finishing green when you want freshness with a little bite.

Flavour

Peppery · Fresh · Slightly spicy

Cress has a clean, sharp flavour with a noticeable peppery kick. Its taste is often compared to mustard or radish, although it has its own distinctive fresh character.

Growing Level

Moderate

Cress grows quickly, but its small seeds require a little more attention to moisture during germination. Avoid excessive watering and provide good airflow as the seedlings develop.

Growing Time

Approximately 7–10 days

Cress develops quickly and can often be harvested relatively young. Temperature, light, airflow and moisture can influence its growth, so visual maturity should be your main guide.

Soaking

No soaking required.

Cress seeds should be sown directly onto a thoroughly moistened growing mat.

Germination

Cress seeds become slightly mucilaginous when exposed to water, developing a gel-like coating around the seed. This is completely normal.

Keep the growing surface evenly moist during germination, but avoid saturating it. Once the seedlings are established, uncover the tray and move it into light.

Watering

Cress prefers consistent moisture but should not remain waterlogged.

Because the seeds are very small, use gentle watering during the earliest stage to avoid disturbing them. Once the roots have established, bottom watering is preferable.

Good airflow becomes particularly important as the growth becomes denser.

Light

Once uncovered, place Cress in a bright location with good indirect natural light or beneath a suitable grow light.

Adequate light encourages compact growth and fresh green leaves.

When to Harvest

Cress can be harvested once the stems have developed and the cotyledons are fully open and green.

Harvest just above the growing mat using clean scissors or a clean, sharp blade.

Best With

Eggs · Avocado · Sandwiches · Salads · Soups · Fish · Potatoes · Cream cheese

Its peppery flavour works particularly well with mild, creamy or rich foods, where a small amount can provide a fresh contrast.

Storage

For the best quality, harvest only what you need whenever possible.

If storing harvested microgreens, make sure they are dry before placing them in a clean container in the refrigerator. Excess moisture can shorten their freshness.

Wash before eating and enjoy while fresh.

Good to Know

Cress seeds are mucilaginous, meaning they naturally form a gel-like coating when they come into contact with water.

For this reason, they should not be soaked like larger seeds. The gel helps retain moisture around the seed during germination, but too much additional water can create overly wet growing conditions.

Why Grow Cress?

Cress is one of those small greens that can completely change a simple plate. Its delicate appearance contrasts beautifully with its lively, peppery flavour.

It is particularly useful when you want to add freshness and character without adding another heavy ingredient.

Grow it. Cut it fresh. Add a little bite.