Purslane
Crunchy and drought tolerant green which can be harvested midday without wilt.
Nutritional, Culinary & Medicinal Uses
Culinary: Purslane can be used in salads, stews, dip, and with meat or with spaghetti. It has a taste similar to spinach.
Nutritional Value: Purslane contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, and omega 3 fatty acids [1]. It also contains anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, C, E, and glutathione [2].
Medicinal Uses: The vitamin A can help with eye health and the immune system. Vitamin C can help one’s collagen and blood vessels. Both beta-carotene and glutathione have anti-cancer benefits [3].
How to Cultivate and Harvest
Planting: Purslane is often quite ubiquitous as a weed; however, if it must be cultivated, it can be planted in a wide range of lighting conditions, and in a variety of soil qualities. It is not really bothered by pests or diseases. It is very hardy and drought resistant. It even grows in sidewalk cracks Do not, however plant the seeds more than an in inch and a half into the ground [4].
Harvesting: The plant will regrow if the stems are cut back to within three inches of the crown. Otherwise, as much of the plant as is desired can be cut off for consumption [4].
Note: As this plant is notorious for growing in cracks in pavement or other such places, be aware of pesticides or road chemicals.
Preservation
One can certainly dry these in a dehydrator at either 135 F or 95 F. One can also hang purslane upside down to dry in a cool, dark, dry place. Remember to store the leaves in a sealed jar [5].
History
Purslane is believed to have originated in a hot and dry climate due to its fleshy, water-storing stems that are especially adapted to an arid climate. It existed in North America before the Columbian Exchange. It also existed in Italy during the time of the Romans [6].
References
1. Uddin, Kamal, et al. “Purslane Weed (Portulaca oleracea): A Prospective Plant Source of Nutrition, Omega-3 Fatty Acid, and Antioxidant Attributes.” The Scientific World Journal, 10 February 2014, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2014/951019
2. Simopoulos, A.P. “Common purslane: a source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2 September 2013, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.1992.10718240
3. Booth, Stephanie. “Health Benefits of Purslane.” WebMD, Reviewed by Bergum, Jabeen, https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-purslane
4. “How to Grow Purslane.” Gardening Channel, https://www.gardeningchannel.com/how-to-grow-purslane/
5. Lynne, Kendra. “How to Dry Purslane and Preserve it as a Powder.” New Life on a Homestead, 20 November 2023, https://www.newlifeonahomestead.com/how-to-dry-purslane/
6. Chandran, Rakesh. “Common Purslane – Weed of the Week.” West Virginia University Extension, 5 August 2020, https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/news/2020/08/05/common-purslane?utm_source=facebook
Why Choose Us
Let us now emphasize on the main benefits that customers will get by your company.
Fastest Work
An attractive line about the heading above.
High Skill
An attractive line about the heading above.
Clean Work
An attractive line about the heading above.
Proper Take Care
An attractive line about the heading above.
Let's Bring Nature Into Your Lovely House
Use these paragraphs to focus on the topic in the headline. Make sure you keep it short and attractive.