Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane, duckweed, little hogweed, or pursley, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Portulacaceae family. This annual succulent, which behaves as a tropical perennial in USDA zones 10-11, can grow up to 40 cm (16 inches) tall.
Throughout history, various cultures around the world have valued purslane for its nutritional benefits. This versatile herb can be consumed both raw and cooked, making it a popular choice for a variety of dishes. The plant’s leaves, stems, and flower buds are all edible. It is commonly used in salads, where its slightly sour and salty flavor adds a unique taste. Additionally, purslane can be stir-fried or cooked like spinach, and its mucilaginous texture makes it a great addition to soups and stews.
Purslane's distinctive sour taste comes from oxalic and malic acids. The latter is produced through the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway, which is prevalent in many drought-resistant plants. This sourness is most pronounced when the plant is harvested early in the morning.
Golden Purslane is particularly noteworthy for its exceptionally high Omega-3 content, surpassing all other leafy vegetables in this nutrient.