Farmer’s Market Find: Purslane
On my latest trip to the farmer’s market, I found a great surprise. I stumbled upon this beautiful bunch of Purslane! My excitement quickly grew as this little green, which many people view as an invasive weed, is a little nutrition powerhouse! Full of omega 3’s, one cup of purslane contains 400 mg of alpha-linolenic acid, and 2,000 IU’s of vitamin A. It is also high in calcium and potassium. It is a great addition to your raw food diet.
I have been scouring my yard for this little beauty, knowing I have weeded it out many times. Now, that I know just how healthy it is, my yard hasn’t been cooperating. But the farmer’s market did!
Purslane has a bit of a mild sweet-sour taste. All parts of the plant are edible but make sure if you are wild harvesting make sure that you wash it well (it does grow on the ground) and it has not been sprayed with any pesticides or fertilizer. In Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Mexico, purslane is used frequently in recipes. Originating in India, it was said to be Gandhi’s favorite food and was grown as a food crop years ago. One other tip…if the “purslane” you have harvested has a milky white sap in it, throw it away. It is not purslane but something called spruge. It is poisonous.
Check back tomorrow to see what I have done with my purslane!
Joanna wrote on July 15, 2011
I think we have some of this in our yard, I will check for the milky stuff… Thanks for a great tip! Xoxo
Deb (marcella Wing) wrote on July 15, 2011
I too was weeding it out many years ago and then I decided to research it and have been using it in smoothies ever since.. It has such a mild flavor you can put in a lot without changing the flavor much.. I find the only flavor change is a crisp clean taste.
Jessi wrote on July 15, 2011
I can not wait to try this… thanks Susan for the information.
Jess
veganforlife wrote on July 15, 2011
Oh I LOVE it and see it growing EVERYWHERE, but will not pick it from certain places. It’s a determined herb, that’s for sure. The first time I tasted it was at Natural Zing’s potluck about 6 years ago and OMG! It was this wonderful lemony taste sensation! I love it. Weeds are just misplaced flowers… ;>)
Can’t wait to see how you used it!
Ida wrote on July 15, 2011
I heard that it was a favored food of the Romans in ancient times. I have used it in green smoothies, and raw in salads. Yum!
John McCabe wrote on July 14, 2011
I just realized what this plant is. I’ve been weeding it out of my garden forever. Well, now I’ll start to use it. Thanks for the information about it. I’ve already been using any dandelion that show up – putting them in salads and smoothies.
Debra wrote on July 14, 2011
I grow this in my garden!!! It is a larger variety ~~same health benifits. I’m with you Kelli~~love it in smoothies!!!
I think it is called Golden Purslane
Mary Ann wrote on July 14, 2011
I’m in Mpls Susan – at which farmers market did you find it???
Susan wrote on July 15, 2011
At the main one. The Minneapolis Farmer’s Market.
kelli wrote on July 14, 2011
i love purslane in my smoothies!