If you are a gardening enthusiast and have your own garden at home, you know how annoying weeds can be and sometimes they can be a real nightmare. On the other hand, if there is one “weed” that you should not remove or uproot from your garden, it is purslane! Find out why.

Often considered a weed, purslane is actually a vegetable plant with health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, it detoxifies the body spectacularly…

What are the benefits of this plant that is so little appreciated and at least, so little recognized at its true value?  

A plant with unsuspected virtues 

Similar to a weed, purslane has unsuspected virtues. In fact, it is full of minerals and vitamins A, C and E, making it an ally of health par excellence! Also rich in potassium, magnesium and iron, it is very good for bones and teeth, the nervous system, muscle function and is also known to strengthen the immune system. 

Due to its omega 3 acid content, it is said to prevent cardiovascular diseases and promote blood circulation. It is also used against muscle contractures and skin irritations. To do this, simply rub it on the skin. 

In addition, chewing a few purslane leaves would soothe skin inflammation and promote the healing of small wounds on the gums. Purslane would also soothe sore throats and digestive irritations…

If you used to remove it from your garden, stop doing it and enjoy all these benefits now. 

How to cook purslane?

Purslane can be eaten very simply in a salad, gratin or even in a stew. It can also be prepared like fresh spinach, cooked in a pan!

Purslane stems and leaves can also be preserved in vinegar, such as in the preparation of pickles. You can incorporate it very well in almost all your salads! Full of water, it is a plant that combines perfectly with arugula or tender beet leaves.

Purslane is very easy to prepare! Just cut off the base of the stems, wash the leaves under the tap and put them through the salad spinner.

Above all, do not soak the leaves in water: they will lose their vitamins. Besides, purslane is naturally saturated with water! 

Precautions for use 

Consumed cooked or raw, purslane does not present a priori any contraindications or risk of toxicity. However, if you suffer from allergies to certain foods, avoid consuming large quantities, especially if raw, as this could cause adverse digestive effects. It is therefore advisable to consult your doctor or an allergist…