Lovely Edible Weed - Purslane

A few weeks ago I mentioned how I love to eat weeds in my post about dandelions. It may sound strange to you, but why not eat those pesky (or not so pesky) weeds growing in your garden and yard?

While the taste of dandelions may be a little too different for you to eat often, I want to introduce you to a weed that I am sure will make you smile with its lovely taste and appeal.

Let me introduce my favorite edible weed - Purslane.

 Recognize this plant from your own yard?

Purslane has fleshy succulent leaves and stems with yellow flowers. The stems lay flat on the ground as they radiate from a single taproot sometimes forming large mats of leaves.

And this is one hardy plant. It can grow practically anywhere - from fertile garden soil to a rocky driveway. Since it has characteristics of a succulent, it is very drought tolerant, as well.


While some may think this is just a pesky weed, I know better. Purslane is a bit of a delicacy in our family. In fact, when I told my young children I was writing a blog post about Purslane, they said excitedly, "Yummy!"
We honestly enjoy this plant. I think it's leaves taste sweet and a little juicy. I would say the taste is similar to spinach or watercress, but I think Purslane is even sweeter.

We love to pick it and just pop it in our mouths after a little washing. I also think it would be a delicious addition to salads, wraps or sandwiches. It can also be cooked or pureed, but I think you get the best taste and nutrition from eating it raw.

Now, here is one of the best parts - it is jam packed with nutrition!

In fact, fresh leaves contain more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable plant and more than in some fish oils!! It is also an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and manganese.

What is there not to love about Purslane? Head outside and go on a Purslane hunt, because you are going to be in love with this weed once you try it.