Grower
Seasons/Availability
Check for availability.
Current Facts
Description/Taste
Purslane, clustered and succulent, is a clover-like herb that bears small wedge-shaped oblong rich dark green fleshy leaves on its reddish-tinted smooth round and juicy stems. Tasty and delightfully crunchy, the entire plant can be used, the stems being the most succulent. Raw stems offer a mild slightly sour and definitely an unforgettable tangy flavor.
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and magnesium with a fair amount of potassium and calcium, one-half cup of purslane contains about 10 calories. An exciting new health discovery is the high content of alpha linolenic acid present in purslane, a type of the omega-3 fatty acids. Research is finding these substances lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as helping to prevent blood clots.
Applications
Some say this fresh herb actually enhances the appetite. Raw purslane is a perfect flavor accent for cool spring salads lightly seasoned with chopped onion, oil and vinegar. Pair with mashed potatoes. Excellent flavoring for soups and stews. Briefly sauté or steam. Perk up an omelet with its tang. Processed leaves can be used as a juice or as the base of a juice for making healthy beverages. This herb may be pickled. To store, wrap in plastic; refrigerate in crisper drawer. Best used promptly.
Geography/History
Locally grown at Rutiz Farms located at Arroyo Grande, California, this renowned farm has been producing superior produce since 1983. Providing approximately fifty different produce items to the marketplace from the bounty of thirty acres of fertile land, Rutiz Farm's premium produce is pesticide-free. Specialty Produce enthusiastically endorses and promotes our local growers, ranchers, farmers and the California farming industry. Growing wild around the world for centuries, this sprawling herb is native to various regions of Europe. Known as purslane, it is also called verdolaga or Mexican parsley in Mexico. Growing in China, the West and East Indies, Ascension Island and Japan, purslane especially loves life in the southwestern United States. 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. Specialty Produce strongly supports and endorses our local growers, farmers, ranchers and the California farming industry.
Featured Recipes
Recipes that include Purslane Greens. One
is easiest, three is harder.
