Purslane

When is a weed not a weed, well that’s a very good question.

Take a look here. In this spot we have some curly parsley that has seeded from the patch below and over here is purslane, a common plant you’ll find popping up with the autumn rains. Ordinarily, you would leave the parsley and pull out the purslane, however this is a very surprising weed

A native to the Indian sub-continent, purslane is a low spreading weed across most of Australia where is survives in poor soils and springs to life after summer.
Purlane is widely grown in many Asian and European regions as a staple leafy vegetable. The leaves and tender stems are edible and surprisingly healthy. The soft, succulent purslane leaves have more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable and an excellent source of vitamin A and C.

It has a slightly sour and salty taste which is not unpleasant. Knowing a bit more about a plant certainly changes your perspective – think I’ll keep this patch untouched and I reckon I’ve found something brand new to add to my salads.