Pigweed sounds delicious, doesn’t it? You might be surprised to know that this common weed is one of Earth’s most nutrient dense foods! It probably grows in your driveway, sidewalk, or patio. It shows up in the harshest places. If there is a crack in the cement, Pigweed will show up.
Pigweed is also known as Rock weed, pusley, fat weed, little Hogweed, and Purslane. This weed is a vegetable that originally came from North Africa. It is now found worldwide. Immigrants and pioneers brought his plant along to serve as food. It may have been transported as seeds or growing plants. The same can be said about Dandelions.
When I am camp cook at a hunting or fishing camp, this is one of the plants that I can often easily find. Usually, it is around rock outcroppings or in dry exposed soils. I rinse it off in a stream and then look for some watercress and Queen Annes Lace, (wild carrot). You can use these plants in salads, soups, stews, and sauces.
The benefit of this vegetable is awesome. It contains Vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, Magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, calcium, copper, folate, phosphorus, and just 16 calories per serving. Purslane also is loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids.
Add these tasty greens to a salad or on a sandwich. You will feel an energy boost. They can be eaten raw or cooked. I have seen it at Farmer’s Markets for $7 a pound.
Purslane is the perfect plant to Pig Up!
Montana Grant
