Food - Drink
Purslane Is The Nutritious Weed You Should Be Eating More Of
By AMANDA BRETZ
What is Purslane?
Purslane, or portulaca oleracea, is a wild-growing plant with a woody stem and flat fleshy leaves that grow in star-shaped groupings of four. The plant is great for its nutritional value, but be careful, because purslane is easily confused with the poisonous plant spurge, which releases a white, milky substance when cut into.
How Does it Taste?
Purslane has a tart, somewhat spicy flavor similar to arugula and a crunchy texture, and it can be enjoyed raw, sautéed, or pickled. Because of the plant's thick leaves and peppery flavor, purslane holds up well with strong, herb-infused dressings, or it makes a great replacement in dips and sauces like chimichurri.
Health Benefits
Purslane is packed with Vitamins A, C, and E, magnesium, iron, and folate, and it’s a great plant-based source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Moreover, the plant can be used to treat coughs, burns, headaches, and diseases that impact the liver and intestine or as a muscle relaxer, diuretic, and psoriasis treatment.
Growing Purslane
Because purslane is easy to identify and grows across the country, it's a good plant for beginner foragers, or you can simply grow it yourself. Since purslane is sensitive to frost, it grows best in full sun with well-draining soil, but it flourishes easily and requires little water. Just harvest it regularly or it will overtake your garden.