Super Wild Edibles: Purslane and Peperomia Plants, and Sedge Grass
Frankly, there is no use in super-edible wild weeds showing up year-round in ordinary places, as familiarity breeds contempt. Perhaps if they became rare and could only be found in unlikely places, man could make his way to taste and see their intrinsic value. Such is the contradiction in humans, although you can never keep a good plant forever.
purslane plant
A chef’s search for wild purslane to treat a friend’s itchy skin rash got me very excited about the herb. Sprouting from cracks in sidewalks, it can trick you into dismissing it as one of the freebies when it’s really an herb worth eating.
When news of the chef’s friend’s speed of recovery reached me, I knew there was an herbal remedy available. I went out looking for purslane, hoping to get a good photo too.
To my surprise, the purslane I came across have larger leaves than the ones the chef got. Also, I have found patches of purslane with the smallest leaves, right in front of the house. This made me realize that not all purslane herbs are the same; in fact, there are several varieties out there, waiting for you to pick and choose for your use.
Above all, I learn that Mother Nature’s bounty of wild edible plants is for everyone. However, it is beyond expectation when research shows that purslane has more heart-healthy omega-3 fats than any other edible plant. What an easy way to load omega-3! This is music to my ears.
Another plus is that it has more cancer-inhibiting antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable tested. Not to be outdone by other herbs, it is a rich source of vitamins A and C. So watch your step and don’t walk on the humble purslane!
peperomia plant
Then there was a tiny herb with shiny, dark green leaves that inevitably appeared in pots: the peperomia plant. Intending to ride the land of nutrient thieves, I did not test its medicinal potential from the start. If I had had the slightest idea that I could make a delicious green salad, I would have harvested enough for the day.
Although, I was hesitant to uproot such pretty plants. More importantly, it is surprising that the leaves have antibacterial and antifungal properties and can treat all kinds of pain: headache, stomachache, and rheumatism.
sedge grass
While purslane likes to sprawl all over the place, the peperomia plant’s slender stems allow it to flex and bend toward the sun, but the third plant in this article, whitewater sedge grass, stands tall with a small white ball on the head. .
On a whim I can uproot masses of lalang, but never rush grass; I will hold my hands out of reverence for the simple elegance of this little herb.
This herbal herb contains a large number of antioxidants with many healing properties. As for nutrition, the whole plant can be boiled to make a refreshing drink that can relieve foot pain. However, it is considered that the full potential of the whitewater sedge has not yet been exploited.
