Why you shouldn’t kill purslane in your garden: 8 compelling reasons

Purslane (Verdolaga) has gone from being a garden pest to a treasured treasure! This extraordinary plant is reclaiming its place in farmers markets and prestigious restaurants, offering not only health benefits but also culinary delights.

Known by a variety of names, including hogweed and pigweed, purslane is a weed you should welcome. Considered a superfood, it has been revered by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and is currently experiencing a renaissance.

This hardy plant sprouts from cracks in pavement, invades gardens, and has been dubbed a “miracle plant” by Dr. Artemis Simopoulos, president of the Center for Genetics, Nutrition, and Health. While at the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Simopoulos discovered that purslane has the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids of any green plant.

Its juicy, teardrop-shaped leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritional powerhouse. But that’s not all—these leaves also offer a rejuvenating, tangy lemon flavor with a hint of chili, according to Sergio Vitale, the chef and owner of Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano in Chicago, who grew up eating purslane in southern Italy.

There is also a simple recipe to try: purslane and basil pesto.

Ingredients: .Ingredients:.

• 2 cups young purslane leaves and stems, washed and roughly chopped
• 45 g washed basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove
• 45 g roasted almonds
• Juice of half a lemon
• 50 ml olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Notes: Notes:

1. Combine purslane, basil, garlic, almonds and lemon juice in a food processor.
2. Pulse until the mixture is well combined.
3. While the food processor is running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture emulsifies.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Enjoy this delicious pesto on toasted sandwiches, roasted vegetables, meat or mixed with pasta.

Now let’s look at the nutritional benefits of purslane:

• Omega-3 fatty acids:  Purslane is an excellent plant-based source of these essential fatty acids, which are crucial for brain and heart health, especially for vegans.
• Antioxidants:  Packed with antioxidants like glutathione, purslane helps protect cells, fight damage and slow down the aging process.
• Minerals:  With remarkable levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, copper, folate and selenium, purslane fills the gaps in the standard American diet and promotes general well-being.
• Vitamin C:  A major source of this vitamin, which stimulates the immune system, contributing to a strong and resilient immune system.
• Beta-carotene:  The beta-carotene contained in abundance in purslane is a precursor to vitamin A and compensates for a common deficiency.
• Melatonin:  Unlike most plants, purslane contains melatonin, a hormone essential for regulating sleep, making it a valuable natural source.
• Cholesterol reduction:  Thanks to betalain, an antioxidant found in purslane, it helps prevent cholesterol-related damage to blood vessels and has a positive effect on LDL cholesterol levels.
• Tryptophan:  Purslane contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps regulate mood and fights depression.

Let yourself be convinced by the wonders of purslane and enjoy its medicinal and culinary benefits. From its richness in omega-3 fatty acids to its melatonin content, this versatile plant has a lot to offer for your well-being and culinary experiences.

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