Erfurt Vernissage: Discover the secrets of watercress!

Erfurt Vernissage: Discover the secrets of watercress!

On July 4, 2025, the city archives in Erfurt will host the opening of a new special show that deals with the fascinating history of Erfurt watercress. The director of the city archives, Dr. Nadine Hofmann, will emphasize the importance of this unique plant for the region in her opening speech. In a warm atmosphere, there will also be a tasting of various products made from Erfurt watercress during the event, supported by Hardy Karius and Holger Kämmer from “Erfurt MITTE”.

The watercress that grows in Reichart's garden pond is not only a popular food, but also a part of Erfurt's cultural history. The exhibition has a long lead time as it will be on display during official opening hours from July 11, 2025 to February 27, 2026. In collaboration with Dr. Ilsabe Schalldach and Dr. Eberhard Czekalla focuses on the life of the self-taught gardener Reichart.

The history of Erfurt watercress

The tradition of growing Erfurt watercress goes back to the 17th century. Around 1600, the first gardeners in Erfurt began cultivating this healthy plant. Ralf Fischer is particularly proud of the fact that he manages the only preserved and active watercress blade in the city. His family has continued cultivation for generations. The special combination of climate, soil conditions and the clear water of the Dreibrunnen make Erfurt watercress a real delicacy highlight.

King Charles III was able to enjoy Erfurt watercress at the state banquet in Bellevue Palace, which underlines the importance of this regional product. Cress is not only considered tasty, but also extremely healthy. It contains high amounts of vitamin C, even surpassing oranges, and offers many other valuable nutrients.

A very special vegetable

The Erfurt watercress, scientifically known as Nasturtium officinale, is a true all-rounder. It gives salads, soups, omelettes and herb butter a spicy freshness. The harvest period extends from September to April, with harvest taking place on frost-free days. The bright flowers of the cress bloom from May to September and provide an additional splash of color in the gardens and on the plates.

The “blades”, artificially created watercourses from the 18th century, provided targeted irrigation and revolutionized the growth of watercress. In recent decades, the Fischer family has successfully revitalized the watercress plant after reunification, so that the healthy fresh vegetable is now popular in many households and restaurants.

If your mouth is watering, you can find out more by calling Ralf Fischer in advance and booking a tour of the traditional nursery. The book “Watercress – Healthy Erfurt Delicacy”, which is available in bookstores or directly from Ralf Fischer, also offers interesting information about cultivation, harvesting and use. There are also numerous recipes here that will leave you wanting more.

The opening on July 4th will be a festive start to the long wait for the special show. Not only is the beauty of watercress celebrated, but also its close connection to the city's history and the passion of the people who care for this special vegetable.

For more information about the Erfurt watercress and the exhibition, take a look at the pages of Erfurt.de, Just get out and Erfurt watercress.