This Plant Should Never Be Pulled From Your Garden: The Surprising Benefits of Purslane
If you notice a low-growing plant spreading across your garden, don't automatically assume it's a weed.
One plant that is often pulled out and discarded is purslane. With its thick, succulent leaves and small stems, purslane can appear almost anywhere during the warmer months. But this humble plant has been eaten and used in traditional cooking for generations.
Sometimes called verdolaga, purslane is both a wild edible plant and a source of several nutrients.
What Is Purslane?
Purslane is a small, fast-growing succulent that typically appears in spring and summer.
It has:
- Fleshy, rounded leaves
- Smooth reddish or green stems
- Small yellow flowers
- A low, spreading growth pattern
Because it grows close to the ground and spreads quickly, many gardeners mistake it for an unwanted weed.
However, purslane has a long history as a food plant in different parts of the world.
Why Is Purslane Considered Nutritious?
The leaves contain fiber and several vitamins and minerals. Purslane is also notable because it contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid.
Its nutritional profile makes it an interesting addition to a varied diet.
It can also provide antioxidants, including compounds such as vitamin C and vitamin E, although the exact amounts depend on growing conditions and preparation.
A Plant With a Long Culinary History
Purslane isn't simply a modern "superfood."
People have been eating it for centuries.
The tender leaves and stems can be added to:
- Salads
- Soups
- Stews
- Omelets
- Vegetable dishes
- Sandwiches
Its flavor is slightly tangy and refreshing, with a texture similar to other succulent vegetables.
In some cuisines, it is cooked like spinach, while in others it is eaten raw.
Why You Shouldn't Automatically Pull It Out
The main reason to think twice before removing purslane is that it can be a useful edible plant rather than just an unwanted garden visitor.
If it is growing in a clean, untreated area and you are certain of its identification, it may be possible to harvest the young leaves and stems for food.
However, identification matters.
Not every plant that resembles purslane is necessarily safe to eat.
Important: Don't Eat Garden Plants You Can't Identify
Before consuming wild plants, make sure you have positively identified them.
Purslane can be confused with other plants, including spurge, which can have somewhat similar growth habits but should not be eaten.
One useful clue is the presence of a milky sap in many spurges. Purslane does not produce that characteristic milky sap.
Still, appearance alone isn't enough. When harvesting wild plants, use a reliable botanical identification source.
