Purslane and It's Imposter

I love wild edibles! They are so nutrient-dense and rich in minerals.  You don't need to eat large quantities to get great results.

One of my favorites is purslane. Not only does it have a delicious lemony taste, it also has incredible health benefits.  It has more omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), than any other leafy plant on earth, which is great for heart health.

Purslane is also a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6 and Folate, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.
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A study by the Journal of American College of Nutrition found purslane to be better than spinach in multiple categories.

Purslane is also a great treatment for urinary and digestive problems and it has antifungal properties as well. It has also been reported to provide relief from diarrhea, acne and psoriasis.  It even helps to reduce fevers and inflammation and you can use it to relieve sunburn pain like you would use aloe vera.

Before you rush outside to look for this amazing wild edible, beware of spurge, which is a poisonous "purslane imposter".  Consuming spurge causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The good news is, it's easy to tell the difference. They are often found near each other, so it's important to be able to tell them apart.

It’s interesting how the good and the bad often grow next to each other, just like poison ivy and jewel weed.  Did you know that jewel weed is a cure for poison ivy? ​

Purslane:                                                 Spurge:

Characteristics of purslane are:

• Thick, oval-shaped, succulent leaves
• Smooth, round, thick, succulent red stems
  
• Small, yellow flowers
• Erect plant that grows upright

 

Characteristics of spurge are:

• Flat, thin leaves that grow across from one another on the stem and sometimes have a reddish coloring at the center of the leaf.
• Red, thin, woody stems that emit a milky, sticky, white sap when broken (the sap can cause contact dermatitis)
  
• Plant radiates from the center in a circle, crawling close to the ground.

You may feel comfortable telling the difference between these two weeds now.  I would still advise that you spend some time with knowledgeable people who can take you out and show you the real thing.  Many communities offer tours to assist those who are new to identifying wild edibles.  Check with your community before eating anything from the wild and stay healthy!




References:

Study by the Journal of American College of Nutrition

Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health's abstract on the nutritional benefits of purslane and other wild plants.