If you find a purslane plant, then please do not pick it up. Why? Because it is a fantastic, healthy and powerful plant. Below I tell the things you need to know to improve your health.
Where to find purslane?
First, if you do not have a garden, you may struggle to find this plant. Fortunately, there are places that sell purslane plant supplements.
Click on the below picture to see a selection of this supplement. You’ll also find seeds, cream and others use for this plant.
Alternatively, see if you have a friend that has a garden and ask if you can help him/her to pick the plant up. Or at least taste it to see if you like it.
Why do you need to take care of this plant?
I have always been told by my grandparents to remove purslane from their garden. In fact, I was always given sweeties as soon as I got rid of all the purslane in the garden.
So by now, you should have guessed it, I was really working hard to remove these. What a mistake I made. If I knew at the time, I would have never done this.
Purslane has always been the enemy of gardeners. They just hate it and they are really unwelcome. It is like there is a war between gardeners the plant as it grows anywhere.
Weirdly, purslane is very common and weirdly too, it is uncommonly so good for you.
First, the leaves. They have amazing health benefits. Second, as a weed, it is very successful. But as an edible plant, it is somehow not so successful. Lately, many cultures embrace purslane as a major food. Not for their healthy properties, but because the plant is free in those countries, being considered as a weed you should get rid of.
Nevertheless, it is one of those weeds that are GMO-free. First benefit.
It is full of essential antioxidants and vitamins. Second benefit.
The third benefit associated with the plant is its leaves. They have a lemony taste. Bizarrely, they are somehow tasty.
They are also crunchy and have been used in many different recipes globally. Nowadays, many use it as a replacement for spinach (and if it comes from your garden, it is free).
The fourth benefit is that it contains high protein levels. If you are a vegetarian then it shall give you strength.
Summary of health benefits of eating purslane
- It is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. It can somehow replace salmon fish – especially that you avoid salmon farms that use a lot of chemicals. The Omega 3 protects you from stroke and heart-type diseases.
- It is also great in for children as it reduces the risk of ADHD in children, autism and other developmental disorders. Best to eat it then.
- Vitamin A – This is the strength of the plant. It has the highest content among all the green leafy vegetables. eating it can protect you from cancer. Especially so that they are not OMG based!
- It contains calcium. It also contains iron. These two properties are very important for your bones.
- What about if I tell you that it has six times more vitamin E than spinach. Ouch!
- And what about if I added that it contains seven times more beta carotene than carrots.
- If you are looking for low calories food, this plant has it. And it has plenty of fibers too.
- Vitamin C, magnesium, riboflavin, potassium and phosphorus are in the plant too. So no need to hide. Go and pick them up in your garden or use the above powder.
A bit more about the plant
Purslane’s seeds are very strong. The plant can live up to 25 years, much more than potatoes, salads and other veggies.
As a rule of thumb, you can try to control the proliferation of the plant. The only way, without using pesticides, is to cut them before they produce seeds.
You can eat purslane on a daily basis. If you like their taste, then consume them in salads and sandwiches. You can try them as a potherb (I love it), steamed (I like but as much), stir-fried (brilliant for me) or pureed (just ok – I need to add more ingredients around it to make it better).
Do not overcook it as it tends to get a bit slimy.
3-4 days is about the maximum you can keep this plant. Especially in the fridge. If you have the plant in your garden, it is best that you cut it fresh and eat it fresh. I always fresh the leaves before I store them. Cold and clean water is best.
Try to mop the plant after washing it.
Who should not eat the plant?
Like everything else, there are a number of people that I would advise not to eat the plant. For instance, individuals with known oxalate urinary tract stones are better to stay away from eating purslane.
The reason is that the plant contains oxalic acid. It is a naturally-occurring substance found in some vegetables. This substance can help crystallize oxalate stones in the urinary tract.
Even if you have oxalate urinary tract stones, you can still keep them in your garden and offer them to your friends and visitors. Don’t throw them anymore.
Conclusion
Here it is. You know that this weed is in effect a great plant. It can be eaten as soon as you pick it up in your garden. I advise you to try eating it cooked too.
Full of Omega 3; it acts as a great replacement for salmon fish. It is also full of vitamin A. So just go an pick them up in your garden, or get the powder I described above.
Eat, enjoy, and get healthier.
Back to you
I hope you’ll be taking action and eat purslane. Please do like the post and share it with your friends and families. Please leave a comment too.
See you soon in another Omigy post.