I was out weeding my flower beds today, getting ready to plant a few more flowers and herbs, when I came across some beautiful purslane (Portulaca oleracea) in bloom. I took a handful into the house for munching on and left the rest for another day.
Purslane is one of those plants that teeters between being a food and being medicine. Although I would have to say it leans more to the edible wild plant superfood, if you ask me. There is no need to buy expensive vitamins when you have plants like this growing in your flower beds!
Here are a few articles that highlight purslane’s goodness!
[p]urslane contains more omega 3 fatty acids than any other plant source in the solar system, and an extraordinary amount for a plant, some 8.5 mg for every gram of weight. It has vitamin A, B, C and E — six times more E than spinach — beta carotene — seven times more of that than carrots — magnesium, calcium, potassium, folate, lithium — keep you sane — iron and is 2.5% protein
Green Deane of Eat the Weeds
A succulent, sprawling plant of lawns and meadows; flowers inconspicuous, 1/5 inch wide, five yellow petals tucked between the branches, mid-summer to fall; fruit capsules up to 1/4 inch long, filled with tiny, round, black seeds; leaves paddle-shaped, succulent, stalkless 1/2 to 2 inches long, alternate or opposite; stem reddish, succulent, branching, creeping, 4-10 inches long.
The tiny black seeds are prolific and will easily grow in containers, flowerbeds and just about anywhere else. Purslane will also reproduce from plant fragments, making it very easy to propagate.
Merriwether of Foraging Texas
If you are wondering how to eat this delectable herb, here is a list of 45 things to do with purslane!
Happy Foraging!