So what’s on the FORAGING FOODIE'S table today? I don’t know about you, but I’ve been trying to eat more greens, and salads are my favorite way to do this. But it can get a little tired, can’t it? Let me tell you about the delicious, succulent green known as PURSLANE.
PURSLANE GROWS LIKE THE WEED IT IS
This prolific vegetable grows across the globe, popping up in the cracks in the sidewalks and parking lots of urban environments, to gardens everywhere (and is most likely not where you WANT it to be!)
A SUPERNUTRIENT
Purslane's tiny, juicy little leaves and stems have a wonderful, slightly tart flavor. Nutritionally, purslane is LOADED with high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, along with vitamins A, C, and B, plus magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. The coloration found in the stems contains antioxidants. It’s a powerhouse, a supernutrient!
EASY TO PREPARE
It’s as simple to prep for the salad bowl as any salad green – cut up the stems and leaves after a quick swish in the veggie wash of your choice, toss it in the bowl and reap the flavorful, nutritious benefits for yourself!
SO, LET'S MAKE A SALAD
Since I’m certain you can make one without a recipe, I will simply include here a list of ingredients that I find match particularly nicely with the flavor of purslane –
- Red onion
- Avocado
- Tomato
- Mint
- Green apple
- Walnuts or pecans
- Feta
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lime juice
- Sweet corn
- Sweet red peppers
BE CREATIVE!!
Of course, don’t let me dictate to you! Grab whatever looks fresh from the market or pick something nice from the garden, toss in some purslane, and enjoy!
FOR MORE INFO ON FORAGING FOR FOOD
PIONEER LIVING SURVIVAL
Marie Alessandro, a dedicated and passionate foodie, will join "Survival for Blondes" on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, to share with us the Joy of Foraging. Marie is a catering professional and works at the Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub in Cambridge Massachusetts. She is also the social media consultant/coach for organizations such as The Mayor's Office of New Bostonians, GENIUS, Latin Syncopation Entertainment, Boston Tango Society, and Salsa Libre. She has a background in theater and entertainment, is a student of Certified Ethical Hacking, and was an early adopter of internet development and technology in the mid-90s, including blogging, media sharing, and social media.


