What Eating Purslane Every Day Can Do for You After 60
Purslane, known botanically as Portulaca oleracea, is often dismissed as a garden weed. Yet this fleshy, lemony-tasting plant is one of the most…
A Few Cautions Worth Knowing
Purslane is safe for most people, but a few situations call for care.
- It is moderately high in oxalates, so anyone prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones should limit intake and ask their doctor.
- If you take medication for blood sugar or blood pressure, talk with your doctor, since purslane may add to those effects.
- When foraging, harvest only from areas free of pesticides and herbicides, and wash thoroughly. Growing your own is the safest bet.
- As with any new food, start with a small amount to rule out an allergy.
The next time you spot purslane in the garden, you may think twice before pulling it. That weed has been feeding people for thousands of years, and it still earns its place on the plate.