Simple, quick and packed with flavour - this is one of those lunches that will make you instantly happy. Small cress is perhaps the best-kept wildflower secret for bread. Fresh, tangy, crunchy and super healthy. And it grows right under your nose: in the woods, in the park, between paving stones or in a forgotten planter. All you have to do is spot and pick it.
Small field cherry on bread
Small cress is a cruciferous - related to Brussels sprouts, broccoli and rocket - and you can taste it. Its mustard glycosides give it a slightly spicy, cress-like flavour. It grows almost all year round, but is at its best in autumn, winter and early spring. And the nice thing is: it stays green all winter. No wonder this little plant is so popular with game pickers. Besides that delicious flavour, small field cress is also super healthy. It is packed with vitamin C - ideal in the winter months - and contains antioxidants and sulphur compounds that are anti-inflammatory. In the past, it was even used as a natural remedy for scurvy. A wild leaf with spice and power!
Lunchtime! Here's how to make this wild sandwich with small field cress
Kitchenware
- cutting board
- toaster or grill pan
- clean spoon and knife
Ingredients
- small handful of washed small cress
- 2 slices of your favourite bread e.g. homemade sourdough bread
- dot of mayonnaise mustard or horseradish cream
- cheese from the cheese shop or opt for hummus
- lemon slice
Instructions
- Toast your sandwiches golden brown - this will make them nice and crispy and warm.
- Spread a layer of mayo or mustard on the bread if using cheese. If you go for hummus, choose horseradish cream as a spread - it combines wonderfully fresh and tangy.
- Top the sandwiches with slices of cheese or a generous spoonful of hummus.
- Spread the cress over your bread. Not too sparingly, it should be nice and plump.
- Finally, squeeze a little lemon juice over the field cherry - it picks up the flavour even more. And you're done! A wild sandwich that tastes like you're at a fancy lunch shop, but homemade and straight from nature.
Neat game picking
Fieldcress grows almost everywhere, from city parks to between paving stones, but here too, pick with respect. Wild picking is tolerated in the Netherlands, so only allowed as long as you do it properly. Pick only for your own use, never take more than you need and always leave enough - for the plant itself, the insects and other pickers. Also pay attention to where you pick: some nature reserves have stricter rules. In doubt about whether you are allowed to pick somewhere? Here is a handy overview of the game picking rules.
Would you also like to go on the road with Katja? Check out her website Wilderlust with all the information about its wild-picking walks and courses.
More wild-picking inspiration
- Green figs not edible? Well no, you can green figs confit. Delicious!
- Also delicious on your cheese sandwich is this game picking pesto.
- Also tasty garnish is badger garlic salt!
Photo credits: Katja Wezel.
