Wild Edible Plants
Purslane
PORTULACA OLERACEA
Purslane, is an annual herb with leaves that are almost succulent and stems trailing on the ground. This plant is distinguished by its smooth, thick, round leaves, which are green to reddish in color. Purslane crawls along the ground, sprawling out from there to make a thick mat. It grows spontaneously in irrigated agricultural areas, where it can become an important food source: instead of being considered a weed to eliminate it can represent a delicious plant to harvest. This plant, adapted to various growing conditions and nutrient-rich, is extremely useful for both sustainable agriculture and diets. The leaves and stems of the plant are fleshy, tender, and have a somewhat sour taste, very similar to that of lemon, so they can be used raw in salads or as garnishes, or a little cooked. This herb is also recommended because of the very high nutritional value– omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and a lot of antioxidants. Beyond the culinary uses, purslane is a valued plant in folk medicine.
SEED SAVERS
Aterraterra Lab, Palermo (Italy) ︎︎︎
Postane, Istanbul (Turkey) ︎︎︎
Tlayolan, Berlin (Germany) ︎︎︎
Wolves Lane Centre, London (United Kingdom) ︎︎︎
Purslane
PORTULACA OLERACEA
Purslane, is an annual herb with leaves that are almost succulent and stems trailing on the ground. This plant is distinguished by its smooth, thick, round leaves, which are green to reddish in color. Purslane crawls along the ground, sprawling out from there to make a thick mat. It grows spontaneously in irrigated agricultural areas, where it can become an important food source: instead of being considered a weed to eliminate it can represent a delicious plant to harvest. This plant, adapted to various growing conditions and nutrient-rich, is extremely useful for both sustainable agriculture and diets. The leaves and stems of the plant are fleshy, tender, and have a somewhat sour taste, very similar to that of lemon, so they can be used raw in salads or as garnishes, or a little cooked. This herb is also recommended because of the very high nutritional value– omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and a lot of antioxidants. Beyond the culinary uses, purslane is a valued plant in folk medicine.
SEED SAVERS
Aterraterra Lab, Palermo (Italy) ︎︎︎
Postane, Istanbul (Turkey) ︎︎︎
Tlayolan, Berlin (Germany) ︎︎︎
Wolves Lane Centre, London (United Kingdom) ︎︎︎