Powerhouse Of Nutrition: Purslane
Purslane is a powerhouse of nutrition. Hippocrates used it as a medicine. Henry David Thoreau found it in a cornfield, boiled it, and called it a “satisfactory dinner.” Many Europeans today eat it as Thoreau did, or chop it up fresh and put it in their salads.
It’s known as purslane–a plant that is a troublesome weed in many U.S. crops, especially vegetables. But recent research findings confirm that purslane is also a rich source of fatty acids, vitamin E, and other key nutrients–making it a prime candidate as a new vegetable crop.
For example, if you currently take fish oil capsules, omega-3 oil capsules, flax oil, or anti-depressants, a switch to purslane could improve your health and save you lots of money, too.
Herbalist James Duke says purslane contains up to 4000 ppm of the omega-3 fatty-acid alpha linolenic acid (ALA) Eating purslane is tastier, safer, and more effective than taking omega-3 supplements. To increase the effect, Duke suggests adding walnut oil to your purslane.
Purslane counters depression. It is one of the five herbs — lettuce, amaranth greens, lamb’s quarters greens, and watercress are the other four — richest in antidepressant substances.
Purslane is a superior source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, all of which are known to moderate the effects of depressive brain chemicals.
Purslane is the richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids of any green, leafy vegetable.. And,
It is native to India and Persia and has spread throughout the world as an edible plant and as a weed. Many cultures embrace purslane as a food.
Purslane has fleshy succulent leaves and stems with yellow flowers. They look like baby jade plants. The stems lay flat on the ground as they radiate from a single taproot sometimes forming large mats of leaves. It is closely related to Rose Moss, grown as a “not so weedy” ornamental.
Purslane is an annual reproducing from seeds and from stem pieces. Seeds of purslane have been known to stay viable for 40 years in the soil.
If you are trying to control purslane the number one rule is don’t let it go to seed. About three weeks after you notice seedlings, the flowers and seeds will be produced. Also plants or plant pieces that are uprooted but not removed can root back into the soil.
Herb or vegetable?
This lemony, crisp nutritional powerhouse is neither, it’s actually a succulent. Many describe it as similar to arugula or spinach. It’s less bitter than arugula and less tannic than spinach. It can be prepared in many of the same ways as either.
Purslane kicks nutritional booty as compared to four super foods on that list:
- Cabbage – Purslane has more vitamin C.
- Beets – Purslane has more vitamin A.
- Swiss Chard – Purslane has more iron, calcium.
- Frozen Blueberries – Purslane has more iron, calcium.
Preparation and serving methods
The stems and flower buds are also edible. Trim the tough stems near roots using sharp knife. Cook under low temperature for shorter period in order to preserve majority of nutrients.
Although antioxidant properties are significantly decreased on frying and boiling; minerals, carotenes and flavonoids may remain intact with steam cooking.
Here are some serving tips:
- Fresh, raw leaves can be used as a salad and as vegetable juice.
- It has also being used in soup and curry preparations
Want to know more about purslane? Then, post your question below.
Yours truly for great health, mind and body,
Michelle, natural health advocate
January 20 2010 05:59 pm | Green Living and Healthy Eating and Natural Beauty and Natural Remedies
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People in the Mediterranean region, Turkey and Greece, eat purslane all the time, mostly in salads. Try it mixed with yogurt, garlic and olive oil.
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