Out of Watercress, one case
Watercress substitutes in Australia: local alternatives
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Rocket (arugula)
Same amount as the watercress
The best watercress substitutes in Australia are Rocket (Arugula), Baby Spinach, and Mustard Greens. These are widely available in Australian supermarkets and farmers markets. Use 1:1 ratio for similar peppery flavor and texture.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- fresh salads
One casethe full watercress card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of watercress |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rocket (arugula)fresh salads | Same amountWorks |
| 2 | Baby spinachfresh salads | Same amount |
| 3 | Mustard greensAsian-inspired recipes | Same amount |
| 4 | Radish greensfresh salads | Same amount |
| 5 | MizunaJapanese-inspired recipes | Same amount |
| 6 | Cilantro + parsleyfresh salads | Same amount |
Rocket (arugula)
identical taste and texture
Rocket (arugula) is the best watercress substitute available in Australia. It's widely available in supermarkets and has virtually identical peppery flavor and delicate texture.
- Best for
- fresh salads, soups, garnishes, all watercress applications
Rocket (arugula) is widely available in Australian supermarkets and has virtually identical peppery flavor to watercress.
Baby spinach
milder · similar texture
Baby spinach is widely available in Australia and provides a milder flavor than watercress but similar texture and appearance. It's good for family-friendly recipes.
- Best for
- fresh salads, soups, when you want milder flavor, family-friendly recipes
Baby spinach is widely available in Australian supermarkets and has a milder flavor than watercress but similar texture.
Mustard greens
similar taste, slightly different texture
Mustard greens are available in Australian Asian grocery stores and provide a similar peppery flavor to watercress. They work well in Asian-inspired recipes.
- Best for
- Asian-inspired recipes, soups, when you want peppery flavor, hearty dishes
Mustard greens are available in Australian Asian grocery stores and have a similar peppery flavor to watercress.
Radish greens
similar taste, slightly different texture
Radish greens are available in Australian farmers markets and provide a similar peppery flavor to watercress. They're good for adding peppery notes to dishes.
- Best for
- fresh salads, garnishes, when you want peppery flavor, unique combinations
Radish greens are available in Australian farmers markets and have a similar peppery flavor to watercress.
Mizuna
milder · similar texture
Mizuna is available in Australian Asian grocery stores and provides a milder peppery flavor than watercress. It's good for Japanese-inspired recipes.
- Best for
- Japanese-inspired recipes, delicate salads, when you want mild peppery flavor, Asian dishes
Mizuna is available in Australian Asian grocery stores and has a milder peppery flavor than watercress.
Cilantro + parsley
different (herby) · different texture
Cilantro and parsley are widely available in Australia and provide a fresh, bright flavor that works well in many dishes. They're good for those who want fresh herbs instead of peppery greens.
- Best for
- fresh salads, soups, when you want fresh herb flavor, Mediterranean dishes
Cilantro and parsley are widely available in Australia and provide a fresh, bright flavor that's different from watercress but works well in many applications.
How it behaves in this recipe
Watercress can be hard to find in Australia, but there are many excellent local substitutes available. Rocket (arugula) is the most common and widely available substitute, while other options can be found in Asian grocery stores and farmers markets.
Tips for substituting watercress
6 tips- Watercress substitutes are widely available in Australian supermarkets and farmers markets
- Rocket (arugula) is the most common substitute and can be found in most major supermarkets
- Asian grocery stores often have mustard greens and mizuna for more authentic flavors
- Farmers markets are great sources for radish greens and other unique leafy greens
- Store all greens in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel to maintain freshness
- The peppery flavor of these greens pairs well with Australian ingredients like macadamia nuts and citrus
Notes on watercress
- Use a combination of different peppery greens for complex flavor profiles
- Consider using microgreens for a more delicate texture
- Try using nasturtium leaves for a peppery alternative with edible flowers
- Use baby kale for a different texture with similar nutritional benefits
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best watercress substitute in Australia?
Rocket (arugula) is the best watercress substitute in Australia. It's widely available in supermarkets and has virtually identical peppery flavor and delicate texture. Baby spinach and mustard greens are also excellent alternatives.
Where can I find watercress substitutes in Australia?
Watercress substitutes are widely available in Australia. Rocket (arugula) and baby spinach can be found in most major supermarkets. Mustard greens and mizuna are available in Asian grocery stores. Radish greens can be found at farmers markets.
Can I use rocket (arugula) instead of watercress in Australia?
Yes, rocket (arugula) is the best substitute for watercress in Australia. It's widely available in supermarkets and has virtually identical peppery flavor and delicate texture. It works well in all watercress applications.
What's the difference between watercress and rocket (arugula) in Australia?
Watercress and rocket (arugula) are very similar in Australia. Both have peppery flavor and delicate texture. The main difference is that watercress grows in water, while rocket (arugula) grows in soil. They can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Why is watercress hard to find in Australia?
Watercress can be hard to find in Australia because it's more delicate, has a shorter shelf life, and is less commonly grown. It also requires specific growing conditions (water-based) which makes it more expensive to produce and transport.
Are there any Australian-grown watercress substitutes?
Yes, many watercress substitutes are grown in Australia. Rocket (arugula) and baby spinach are commonly grown locally. Mustard greens and mizuna are also grown in Australia, particularly in areas with Asian vegetable production.