NHS hospitals in England to trial watercress-infused foods for patient wellbeing

Wwatercress is often looked upon as just a food garnish with little other purpose - but it could be the key to the NHS meeting its net-zero targets. The peppery aquatic plant is to be added to food in some hospitals in England to aid patient wellbeing - and tackle climate change. The project will see watercress being used for things such as frozen pesto, and even flavoured ice lollies featuring its extract to aid patient hydration.

Watercress soup and muffins could also be on the menu. Trials will initially occur in hospitals in the South West with a view to rolling its use out nationally. If successful, NHS patients, hospital staff and visitors will have access to nutrient-dense foods that have been locally and sustainably sourced, and which help hospitals meet their net-zero commitments.

To show how the ingredient can be used The Watercress Company, UK's largest grower, will welcome 40 healthcare chefs from across the Wessex region to a showcase day arranged by the Chefs' Forum and the Nutrition Advisory Team on its Waddock Farm near Dorchester, Dorset, this week.

Mathieu Eke, head of facilities at Yeovil District Hospital, said: "We're working towards ambitious net zero targets - and food has a vital role to play. Reducing waste, sourcing local produce, and designing menus that nourish both patients and the planet is essential work that supports systems change.

"Our work is not only transforming hospital food but also serving the wider community and looking after the environment." Tom Amery, managing director of The Watercress Company, said: "This pilot project is a win-win: for the environment, for the NHS, and for the health of the patients. Watercress is nutrient-dense, easy to grow locally, and fits beautifully into sustainable menus.

"We're keen to see it championed in hospitals as both a culinary and a clinical asset and can support this through direct delivery, helping patients experience the taste and health benefits of watercress."