Nasturtium Blue Pepe is a unique European variety bred specifically for culinary use. The name is derived from its wonderful steel-blue leaves with purplish undersides. The flowers themselves are also edible and their bright-red hue makes an attractive addition to salads, as well as being perfect for garnishing stir fries. The leaves have a slightly peppery taste, reminiscent of watercress. The flavour becomes spicier when the flowers are grown in sunnier, hotter weather. The flowers are less intensely flavoured than the leaves but they add a dramatic, colourful zing to any recipe. Nasturtiums were first cultivated in Perù and were introduced to Europe by the Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century.
