Nasturtium Notes

I know summer is really here when the Nasturtiums start to bloom. My favorite of all annuals, Nasturtiums are carefree and colorful. If you have a young gardener in your family, they are a breeze to grow and the large seeds are easy for children to handle. Plus the plants require very little care---just my kind of plant! Nasturtiums spill beautifully over walls, window boxes or planters. I love their large, umbrella-like leaves that resemble water lily pads.

Both Nasturtium's leaves and flowers are edible with a sweet, peppery taste; great in salads and even tea sandwiches. The happy, bright flowers make a beautiful garnish and their leaves have 10 times the vitamin C of lettuce.

But not only will you find Nasturtiums in my summer garden; they also reside in a cabinet in my kitchen year-round.

I have a collection of vintage Nasturtium-themed kitchenware consisting of canisters, napkins, glassware, a sifter and a cake carrier. And I'm always on the look-out for more. Aren't they fun?

 

Here's an interesting Nasturtium Pesto recipe I came across while surfing the Web. I'm going to give it a try this summer, once my plants get large enough.

Nasturtium Pesto
by French chef Joel Chenet
Put the following ingredients into a food processor or blender:
• 4 cups packed nasturtium leaves
• 3 to 5 cloves of garlic
• 1-1/2 cups olive oil
• 2 drops Tabasco sauce
• 1 cup walnuts
Process the mixture until smooth. The pesto can be frozen and stored in ice cube trays so it's ready whenever needed. Excellent on top of grilled salmon, halibut, chicken or steak.

Susan

Comments

[Claire]

I love nasturniums! Your cupboard is just adorable by the way. Love the shelf paper!

Claire

[susans at black eyed susans kitchen]

This is a great collection, but I especially love the beverage set. Who wouldn't smile to be served lemonade or iced tea in those glasses. Susan

[Kelly]

I love nasturtiums too. My kids love to plant them and they're easy because they're so big. The canisters are so fun and I LOVE the pesto recipe--how creative. I'll bet it's a little spicy with the nasturtium leaves.

Kelly

[Alison]

Such a lovely collection and what an absolutely fantastic recipe, I didn't know you could eat this plant at all.
Love Alison x

[HeidiAnn]

They're beautiful. My sister collects them, too. She has them all over her house!

[Kitschen Pink]

I don't think I've ever seen nasturtium themed anythings so now I shall go around with my eyes opened! Your display is just beautiful! x