Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Verdolagas is available year round.
Description/Taste
This clover-like herb bears small wedge-shaped oblong rich dark green leaves on its reddish-tinted smooth round stems. Raw stems offer a mild slightly sour/tangy flavor.
Nutritional Value
This green is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and magnesium, alpha linolenic acid, with a fair amount of potassium and calcium. One-half cup has about 10 calories.
Applications
Verdolagas is also know commonly as purslane and Mexican parsley. Prepared fresh or cooked, verdolagas features widely in Latin cuisine and may be paired with tomatoes, onions, garlic, tomatillos, cucumber, tortillas, pork and meat. Season carefully as verdolagas has a high natural salt content. Keep dry and refrigerated until ready to use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Verdolagas is a favorite ingredient in Mexician cuisine whether wrapped in an omelet, rolled in a tortilla, enjoyed as a side dish or used in stews and soups. Throughout the Mediterranean area, verdolagas is used extensively in salads and soups. In Russia, it is dried and canned for flavor enjoyment during the long chilly winter.
Geography/History
This sprawling herb is native to various regions of Europe. Known as purslane, it is called verdolaga or Mexican parsley in Mexico. Verdolagas Grows in China, the West and East Indies, Ascension Island and Japan, southwestern United States and Mexico. Of the species Portulaca oleracea, the plant produces attractive small yellow flowers that may grow in clusters or just one may appear. Preferring warm sunny days, the flowers bloom in June and July. Found along highways, in border gardens, nestled in desert rocks and sand, this sometimes out of control spreading plant can overpower and rule backyards. Golden purslane, species Portulaca sativa, is another variety that produces yellow leaves but isn’t as hardy a plant. Seeds of an individual plant have been known to produce both golden and green-leaved plants.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Verdolagas (Mexican Parsley). One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
Someone spotted Verdolagas (Mexican Parsley) using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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superior market Near El Monte, California, United States About 25 days ago |
