Between the succulents, there are all kinds of varieties. There are those that are very showy due to their shapes and colors; there are others that have medicinal properties, such as aloe vera, but also there are some that are characterized by being edible and beneficial in our diet.
Edible purslane, also known as Portulaca oleracea, is a plant of the type of the succulents which has fleshy stems. This succulent grows wild, although in some places it is cultivated as a vegetable.
Not only does it serve as food, but it is succulent also It fulfills other functions: it is a medicinal plant and also an indicator of the type of soil, since its presence shows the degree of acidity of the substrate..
This fleshy stem plant It is annual, which means that it appears in every season. Its leaves are also thick and rounded. It does not grow tall.
It gives small yellow flowers for many months. Its seeds are rounded and are inside elongated capsules that open and spread, an ideal instrument for growing each year.
Among the benefits that this plant provides, it is also worth noting that it is useful for bees and easily adapts to controlled cultivation. It can be purchased in nurseries and is advisable in gardens, although it grows very well in pots.
A superfood
Although small and fragile in appearance, this succulent It is edible and has leaves that are ideal for eating raw in salads. For many it can be somewhat bitter, so it can be lightly sautéed.
It has a high content of minerals and vitamins, although the most important thing is that it has a high content of Omega 3 fatty acids. It also provides medicinal properties. It is advisable not to consume it in excess because it has oxalates, something that can harm those who suffer from arthritis, rheumatism or gout.