Oh, nasturtiums! Forget about just admiring them from afar; in the Netherlands, these vibrant beauties aren’t just a feast for the eyes, they’re a delight for the taste buds too! Several charming farms across the Dutch landscape invite you to roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in the joyful ritual of picking your very own nasturtiums.

The Pure Joy of Picking Your Own Peppery Petals

Imagine a sunny afternoon, the gentle hum of bees, and rows upon rows of cheerful nasturtium plants, their leaves like lily pads and their flowers bursting forth in shades of fiery orange, sunny yellow, and deep crimson. This isn’t just a farm visit; it’s a treasure hunt! Whether you go solo for a mindful escape, with a partner for a romantic stroll, or bring the whole gang – kids, grandparents, and all – a nasturtium picking adventure is pure, unadulterated fun.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about wandering through the greenery, carefully selecting the brightest blooms and the freshest, most tender leaves. You might even find yourself in a playful competition to see who can fill their basket with the most diverse array of colors. The air often carries a hint of their distinctive peppery aroma, building anticipation for the culinary magic you’ll create later. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature, enjoy the simple pleasures of the countryside, and gather a bounty that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Bringing Your Peppery Bounty Home: How to Use Nasturtiums

Once your basket is brimming with these gorgeous edible gems, the fun truly begins at home! Nasturtiums – both their leaves and flowers – boast a wonderfully unique peppery, slightly mustardy flavour, reminiscent of watercress or radishes. They’re incredibly versatile and add a fantastic zing to almost any dish.

Culinary Creations with Nasturtiums

1. Zesty Nasturtium Pesto

Forget basil for a moment and give your pesto a peppery punch! This vibrant green pesto is fantastic with pasta, slathered on crusty bread, or as a zingy dip for vegetables.

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 cups fresh nasturtium leaves and flowers (packed)
    • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
    • 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts), lightly toasted
    • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
    • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or more, to taste)
    • Juice of 1/2 lemon
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • Instructions:

    1. Combine nasturtium leaves and flowers, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
    2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
    3. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
    4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before storing to help prevent browning.

2. Peppery Nasturtium & Goat Cheese Salad

This refreshing salad highlights the nasturtium’s vibrant colours and spicy kick, perfectly complemented by creamy goat cheese and a light vinaigrette.

  • Ingredients:

    • 4 cups mixed salad greens (like spring mix or butter lettuce)
    • 1 cup fresh nasturtium leaves and flowers
    • 4 oz (115g) fresh goat cheese, crumbled
    • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
    • For the Dressing:
      • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
      • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
      • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
      • 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
      • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • Instructions:

    1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined.
    2. In a large salad bowl, gently combine the mixed greens, nasturtium leaves and flowers, cherry tomatoes, and toasted nuts.
    3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
    4. Divide among plates and top with crumbled goat cheese just before serving.

More Ways to Enjoy Your Nasturtiums

For the Herbal Enthusiast: Nasturtium Power Tea

For a unique and potentially health-boosting brew, nasturtiums make a surprisingly pleasant tea! It’s believed to have properties that support the immune system.

  • Ingredients:

    • 5-7 fresh nasturtium leaves and a few flowers
    • 1 cup hot water
    • Optional: a slice of lemon or a drizzle of honey

  • Instructions:

    1. Place the nasturtium leaves and flowers in a mug.
    2. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over them.
    3. Steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength.
    4. Strain out the leaves and flowers, or enjoy them floating in your cup.
    5. Add lemon or honey if desired. The tea has a subtle, earthy, and mildly peppery flavour.

For the Mixologist: The Peppery Petal Cocktail

Give your happy hour a floral, spicy twist! This cocktail is a vibrant burst of flavour.

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 oz gin or vodka
    • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
    • 3/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved)
    • 3-4 nasturtium leaves and 1 flower (plus one for garnish)
    • Ice
    • Soda water or tonic water (optional, for topping)

  • Instructions:

    1. In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the nasturtium leaves and one flower with the simple syrup. The goal is to release the oils, not pulverize them.
    2. Add the gin/vodka, lemon juice, and fill the shaker with ice.
    3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
    4. Double strain (using a fine mesh sieve in addition to your shaker’s strainer) into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This removes any small leaf particles.
    5. If desired, top with a splash of soda or tonic water for a spritzer-like finish.
    6. Garnish with a fresh nasturtium flower floating on top. Sip and enjoy the peppery kick!

For the Decorator: Edible Embellishments

Beyond their culinary uses, nasturtium flowers are simply stunning. Use them to:

  • Garnish: Float them in soups, sprinkle them over a platter of roasted vegetables, or use them to brighten up a cheese board.
  • Cake Decoration: Their vibrant colours make them perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, or even a simple lemon tart.
  • Mini Bouquets: Arrange a few nasturtium stems in tiny vases for a rustic, charming tabletop decoration that you can snack on!
  • Ice Cubes: Freeze them into ice cubes for a pretty addition to water, lemonade, or cocktails.

So, next time you’re in the Netherlands, seek out a farm where you can pick your own nasturtiums. It’s an experience that’s truly a feast for all your senses, from the joy of the pick to the delight of the plate!