Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Basic Information
- Family:
- Portulacaceae
- Category:
- edible
- Status:
- Least Concern
- Flowering:
- June - September
Description
A succulent annual weed that is actually one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world, containing more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green.
Habitat
Gardens, cultivated fields, waste ground, sandy areas
Characteristics
- height:
- 5-30 cm
- flower Color:
- Yellow (small)
- leaf Type:
- Fleshy, oval, succulent
- growth Form:
- Prostrate annual
🌿 Medicinal Uses
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, E, and minerals. Traditional remedy for burns, headaches, and digestive complaints. Cooling and soothing for urinary tract infections.
🍽️ Culinary Uses
Young leaves and stems have pleasant lemony, peppery taste. Excellent raw in salads, added to soups, or pickled. Very popular in Portuguese cuisine, especially in açorda soup. One of the most nutritious wild greens.