Pesach: Can garden cress be used as maror?
Question
I wanted to know—can garden cress (rashad) be used as maror? Garden cress is an herb, very similar to mustard, and its stems are very sharp-tasting. It is, of course, edible. It is also easier to digest despite its spiciness, as opposed to sharpness like that of sechug, since it passes more quickly (similar to wasabi, Japanese horseradish, for those who are familiar).
Answer
Rabbi Yehuda HaLevy Amichay
The Sages of the Mishna identify five species of maror, so one must eat at least one of them. The most preferable is Romaine lettuce, since it is the first one listed.