Purslane

A crisp succulent with a salty, slightly sour flavor and juicy, mucilaginous texture. The ends of the stem produce charming clusters of tender leaves: this is the unit we provide. The leaves vary from a bright yellow-green to a more diminutive grey-green depending on age and season. Stems, leaf base, and occasionally leaf perimeter are accented by a rusty red blush. When soil is dry, this drought-adapted plant will use alternate energy pathways to process carbon dioxide, producing 10x the malic acid (the compound responsible for green apple tartness) by morning as it will have in the evening. By evening, this excess malic acid is converted to sugar. Since we keep our soils moist, product quality is consistent, with a good balance of tart, sweet, and savory.

Type: Leaf cluster, stem section

Flavor: Salty, tart

Color: Bright green

Size: 3 - 6 cm

Season: Summer- Fall

Storage/Care: Keep refrigerated in a lightly moist environment.

Other names: Portulaca, Verdolaga, Duckweed, Fatweed, Pigweed