Absolutely! Verdolaga, also known as purslane, is an ancient leafy green and a nutritional powerhouse that’s often overlooked. It’s not just a weed—it’s a superfood that rivals (and even outshines) meat in some ways. Here’s an in-depth look at why you should grow and use verdolaga today, including its uses, benefits, and 7 surprising reasons it deserves a spot in your garden.
🌿 Verdolaga (Purslane): The Superfood That Outshines Meat
✅ 7 Surprising Reasons You Should Grow It Today
1. 🧠 Richest Plant Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Unlike most leafy greens, purslane contains more omega-3s than many types of fish and far more than spinach or kale. Specifically, it’s high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—essential for heart and brain health. It’s a plant-based alternative to fish oil.
🧬 Great for: heart disease prevention, reducing inflammation, supporting cognitive function.
2. 🍖 Higher Nutrient Density Than Meat
Per calorie, verdolaga contains:
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More iron than beef
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More calcium than milk
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More vitamin A than carrots
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And it’s loaded with magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C
🥗 One cup of purslane = more nutrition than many servings of meat, without the saturated fat.
3. 🛡️ Natural Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse
Purslane contains:
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Glutathione and melatonin (natural anti-aging compounds)
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Beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C
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Flavonoids and alkaloids that help fight oxidative stress
⚕️ Helps protect against chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
4. 🧬 Supports Blood Sugar & Weight Management
With its high fiber content and low glycemic index, verdolaga helps regulate blood sugar levels. The mucilage (gel-like fiber) slows digestion and glucose absorption.
🍽 Great for diabetics or anyone watching their weight.
5. 💧 Drought-Resistant & Incredibly Easy to Grow
Purslane thrives in poor soil, needs minimal water, and grows almost anywhere, making it perfect for urban gardens or survival food. It self-seeds prolifically and requires little maintenance.
🌱 You can grow it in pots, between sidewalk cracks, or as ground cover.
6. 🍽️ Delicious in Culinary Uses
It has a slightly lemony, crisp flavor and is extremely versatile:
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Eat it raw in salads or smoothies
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Sauté with garlic like spinach
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Add to soups, tacos, or omelets
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Use in Middle Eastern or Mexican dishes like verdolagas con puerco
🥄 A nutritional boost and zesty flavor in everyday meals.
7. 🌍 Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Superfood
Purslane grows abundantly without fertilizers or pesticides, making it one of the most sustainable food crops on Earth. It also helps improve soil quality and acts as a natural mulch.
🌎 Good for your body and the planet.
✅ How to Use Purslane (Verdolaga)
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Raw: Add to salads, wrap in tortillas, blend into green juices
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Cooked: Stir-fry, steam, or simmer in stews and soups
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Pickled: Traditional in some cultures for tangy condiments
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Dried: Add to teas or powdered as a green supplement
🛒 Where to Find It or Grow It
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Buy seeds online or at nurseries
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Forage responsibly—it’s common in yards and roadsides (make sure it’s pesticide-free!)
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Thrives in containers, garden beds, or even as a weed in lawns
Caution:
Purslane is high in oxalates, so people with kidney stones should consume it in moderation. Cooking helps reduce oxalate content.