Wild Green Smoothie with the Power of Purslane

By Victoria Boutenko

Native to India and Persia, Purslane has fleshy succulent leaves and stems with yellow flowers. It can grow just about anywhere from fertile garden soil to even some of the poorest arid soils, and has spread throughout America, Europe, and Asia. In fact, many of us probably have purslane in our gardens right now. But is it a pesky weed or a tasty treat?

A Weed of Wonder

Purslane contains more omega-3 fatty acids (mostly alpha-linolenic acid) than any other leafy vegetable plant. Purslane has 0.01 mg/g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This is an extraordinary amount of EPA for land based vegetable sources. EPA is an Omega-3 fatty acid normally found mostly in fish and flax seeds. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and some vitamin B, as well as dietary minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron.

100 grams of fresh purslane leaves (about 1 cup) contain 300 to 400 mg of alpha-linolenic acid. One cup of leaves contains 90 mg of calcium, 561 mg of potassium, and more than 2,000 IUs of vitamin A.

Purslane Mango Smoothie

If you’re ready to add this common plant that is uncommonly good for you into your own diet, try this delicious green smoothie recipe today!

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch (or 3 cups) purslane

• leaves, stems, and flowers

• 1 large mango, peeled, pitted, and sliced

• 3 cups water

Blend well

Yields: 1 quart (liter) of pleasant, not too sweet smoothie.

Some of the best foods for you are found right in your own backyard. Purslane, nettles, dandelion, lambsquarters, and more are all available to you free of charge when you step outside into your yard! Share your favorite wild edibles with us in the comments section below!

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