Purslane is one of those herbaceous plants that can be used for various things. It is very easy to care for, so much so that we do not recommend planting it in the ground as it could cover the entire ground. But, except for that small but important detail, it must be said that it is very adaptable, so it is very interesting to have it in the kitchen. Yes, yes, indoors.
Find out what purslane is and what it is for, a plant suitable for beginners who can use it to prepare different dishes.
What is purslane?
The purslane, whose scientific name is Portulaca oleracea, it is a succulent plant with an annual cycle (that is, it germinates, grows, multiplies and then dies in a year), a native of India that has managed to become naturalized in practically the whole world. It has alternate leaves, emerging from smooth reddish stems.
The flowers are solitary, white, yellow or pink, and sprout in spring-summer. Once they are pollinated, the pods in which the seeds are found mature.
What is?
If you want to take advantage of its benefits, do not hesitate: use it both in the kitchen and in natural medicine:
Culinary use
As long as it has not been treated with chemicals, can be consumed as a vegetable. It has a slightly acidic and salty taste, making it an ingredient that cannot be missing in salads, soups and sauces. The seeds in Australia are used to prepare traditional bread.
Its nutritional value per 100 grams is as follows:
- 3.39g carbohydrates
- Fat 0.36g
- Proteins 2.03g
- Water 92.86g
- Vitamin A 147% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA)
- Vitamin B1 4% of the RDA
- Vitamin B2 7% of the RDA
- Vitamin B3 3% of the RDA
- Vitamin B6 6% of the RDA
- Vitamin C 35% of the RDA
- Vitamin E 81% of the RDA
- Calcium 7% of the RDA
- Iron 16% of the RDA
- Magnesium 1% of the RDA
- Manganese 15% of the RDA
- Phosphorus 6% of the RDA
- Potassium 11% of the RDA
- Zinc 2% of the RDA
Medicinal use
It is used as a remedy for constipation, inflammation of the urinary system, headache, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, and for treat insect bites and snake bites.
It is contraindicated during pregnancy and for those with poor digestion.
Did you know the uses of purslane?
very important I did not know how many vitamins the purslane had
We are glad to know that you have been of interest, Ángel Ángel