Watercress

[descry0]

I came across a massive crop of watercress (at least a good 7 baskets) when checking out spots for coastal foraging. It's on a mouth of a running stream into the North Sea. It is running water so should avoid any lurking liver fluke parasites. But it is on the end of a stream through farm land and I spotted a water company's pipe only a few feet from the site (I'm unsure if this pipe is sewage).

Any advice about whether I can help myself to this lovely plant or best avoid it?

thanks

 

[xylaria]

Running water doesnt stop liver fluke. Seawater or vinager might (folk method) but it is not something I would take chances on.

 

[descry0]

I'll do a little more research then. Thanks for the pointers.

 

[Teepee]

Not 100% sure on this but I always thought watercress, lovely as it is, concentrates toxins from unclean water?

My local river Nene has huge amounts of it but I've always left it alone and stuck with the shop bought stuff.