Eat This Now: Nasturtiums

Vase of Nasturtiums with Dance II
by Henri(-Emile-Benoit) Matisse

Nasturtiums. Look for 'em next time you're at the farmer's market. Quiz your Great-Aunt Bea to see if she sprays hers for pesticides and plot a midnight raid on her flowerbeds. Prime your windowbox now... there's still time for a late-summer harvest.

Nasturtiums are wholly edible — flowers, stems, leaves, flowerbuds and seeds — and they add a peppery kick to salads, sandwiches, cream cheese and compound butters. Infuse some in your favorite white wine vinegar to lend your winter days a touch of color and cheer.

Praise their beauty. Appreciate their vigor. Devour them whole and grin.