What family does watercress belong to?

Watercress is indeed a member of the mustard family, scientifically known as Brassicaceae. This family is commonly recognized for its distinctive characteristics, including the presence of cruciferous vegetables that feature four-petaled flowers resembling a cross, which is a hallmark of the family.

Watercress, like other members of its family, contains compounds known as glucosinolates, which are believed to have various health benefits. This association with the mustard family aligns with common culinary practices where watercress is often used in salads, garnishes, and other dishes due to its distinct peppery flavor, which is characteristic of many cruciferous vegetables.

Other families mentioned in the options include those not typically associated with watercress. The greens family refers more broadly to leafy vegetables, the legume family consists of plants that bear pods containing seeds such as beans and peas, and the composite family includes flowering plants like daisies and sunflowers, which do not relate to watercress. Hence, recognizing watercress as part of the mustard family highlights both its botanical classification and its culinary applications.