...that's probably a $20 salad right there.
So I've been leaving it in the garden if it isn't crowding other plants too badly. I just learned from Wikipedia that:
As a companion plant, Purslane provides ground cover to create a humid microclimate for nearby plants, stabilizing ground moisture. Its deep roots bring up moisture and nutrients that those plants can use, and some, including corn, will "follow" purslane roots down through harder soil than they can penetrate on their own. It is known as a beneficial weed in places that don't already grow it as a crop in its own right.Another common weed in our garden and around town is mallow (malva neglecta):
I'm not sure if it is a beneficial companion like purslane, but it is a demulcent, so I've been picking it to make into a mucilaginous tea, which was nice when I had a sore throat recently (it's also an ingredient in the Ricola cough drops I bought recently).
Try juicing the purslane. It is the only plant high in omega-3's and is supposed to be good internally for urinary, stomach, gums and sore throats. It's also has topical uses for cuts, stings and bites. I gathered some up for a juice of watermelon, apple, purslane, orange, beet and celery. I'll post about how it comes out on our holyscrap blog.
ReplyDeleteI recently harvested lots of our purslane, and it may have been a mistake. The garden is looking a lot drier, and the amaranth in particular is starting to tip over a bit. I think I should have waited.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, I'm experimenting with methods of fermentation. One jar of vinegar-based purslane pickles, one jar of fermenting purslane, a bag or two of frozen purslane balls, and six bunches of purslane drying on the back porch...