If you see purslane (also known as Portulaca oleracea) growing in your yard, don’t pull it out. Even though it’s often thought of as a weed, purslane is packed with nutrients and has great benefits for your health and your garden.
Nutritional Benefits of Purslane
Purslane is an edible herb originally from Asia but now found all over the world. Even though it’s often called a weed, it’s actually super nutritious. It’s full of antioxidants, important minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and other healthy plant compounds. The reddish stems and green leaves have beta-carotene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of cancer.
Purslane also has one of the highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids among land plants, which can be great for heart health. Eating it could improve your heart function and overall well-being.
Along with its omega-3 content, purslane is also a great source of calcium and magnesium, which are important for strong bones. Adding this superfood to your meals gives your body extra nutrients that help strengthen bones and support how your cells work.
Adding Purslane to Your Diet
Purslane is known by several names, including pigweed, little hogweed, fatweed, and pusley. It has a flavor similar to spinach and adds a refreshing, crunchy touch to meals. You can eat it raw or cooked, and it’s great in salads, soups, and stews. Since purslane is made up of about 93% water, it’s also hydrating and a fun way to add some variety to your diet.
One of the best things about purslane is how tough it is. It can grow in hot, dry places with very little care, which makes it perfect for areas where water is limited. You might even find purslane growing in the cracks of sidewalks! This hardy plant does well in many different environments and doesn’t need much attention to thrive.
Not only is it easy to grow, but purslane’s roots also help improve soil health and prevent erosion. By keeping purslane in your garden, you’re naturally making your soil better and creating a more stable, fertile environment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture calls purslane a “noxious weed,” and in some places, it’s controlled or restricted. However, in many areas, the benefits of purslane are much greater than the downsides.
Attracting Pollinators
Besides being good for your diet and the environment, purslane is great for your garden. Its small, colorful flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help create a healthy and lively garden. These helpful insects benefit your other plants too, making purslane a valuable companion for any gardener.
Embrace the Value of Purslane
With so many benefits in one little plant, purslane is definitely worth having around. It can help your health and improve your garden’s ecosystem, making this humble herb much more valuable than it seems. The next time you spot purslane growing in your yard, think twice before pulling it out—it might be the best plant in your garden.
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