Purslane is incredibly easy to harvest. It grows low to the ground in thick mats, making it simple to snip off tender stems and leaves with a pair of scissors or garden shears. Be sure to harvest in the morning, when the leaves are most plump and hydrated.
Only take the younger shoots, as older stems can become woody and less palatable. Rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit, and it’s ready to be used in your kitchen.
🥗 Culinary Uses for Purslane
Purslane’s lemony flavor and crisp texture make it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. You can use it fresh, sautéed, pickled, or blended into drinks and sauces.
Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your meals:
- Salads: Mix raw purslane with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta for a Mediterranean-style salad.
- Smoothies: Add a handful to your morning green smoothie for an omega-3 boost.
- Stir-Fries: Lightly sauté with garlic and olive oil for a quick and nutritious side dish.
- Tacos & Wraps: Use fresh sprigs in tacos, wraps, or sandwiches for added crunch.
- Soups: Add toward the end of cooking for extra greens in your soups and stews.
- Pesto: Substitute part of your basil with purslane for a tart, earthy pesto.
Its mucilaginous (slightly gelatinous) quality also makes it an excellent thickener in soups and stews.
🧑🌾 Growing Purslane: Cultivating This “Weed” on Purpose
Though purslane often volunteers itself in gardens, you can absolutely cultivate it intentionally. Doing so can help you control where and how much it grows, and ensure you have a steady supply.
Here’s how to grow purslane from seed or transplant:
- Choose Your Location: Purslane loves heat and sun. Pick a location that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil Conditions: It tolerates poor soil but thrives in well-draining sandy or loamy soil. No need for heavy fertilization.
- Sowing Seeds: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Gently press them into the soil without covering, as they need light to germinate.
- Watering: Once established, purslane is drought-tolerant. Water sparingly to encourage deeper roots and richer flavor.
- Maintenance: Trim regularly to prevent it from going to seed too early and to encourage bushier growth.
Once established, it will reseed itself year after year. A true gift that keeps on giving!
❗ Foraging Wild Purslane – Do It Safely
Next page
