Page 53 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 138

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #138 July 2024 53

Steve Malyon

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Let it Grow - Making Magic from Mayhem

Marion Dalley diabetes. Purslane is a good source
of both calcium and magnesium,
eeds, weeds everywhere, so both of which are important for bone
Whard to control! health.
But, as it is happening more and Purslane’s growing season is
more of late, we are learning that between May and August. The seeds
what we consider weeds are actually sprout quickly, and in 6-8 weeks you
very beneficial to our health and can begin to harvest. You can pull
wellbeing. Although these ‘weeds’ the entire plant, or trim the leaves,
cause mayhem in our gardens, leaving about two inches, which will
perhaps we need to take a closer regrow. Purslane gets yellow flowers
look. in the late summer. These, too, are
Let’s focus on a couple of these edible. Purslane prefers full sun, but
weeds in this article. you can grow it in any type of soil.
PURSLANE, which can be Depending on how much moisture
found in most of our gardens, on your plants get, they could stay close
pathways, in lawns, and in field to the ground and spread out to about
crops, is considered by the World three feet each in diameter. Or they
Health Organization as one of the could grow up to sixteen inches high.
most nutrient-dense foods, and the It is a perennial plant. Photos Submitted
most used medicinal plants, in the Here are some ways to eat and
world. Purslane has been described prepare purslane. and alternate leaves. Most leaves top can still be picked, and this is
as a power food because of its high 1. Sauté or steam it as a side dish. are diamond shaped with toothed when you will find the seeds (similar
nutritive and antioxidant properties. 2. Chop and add it to tacos. margins, but younger ones at the to quinoa). Lambsquarters is related
This low growing plant is loaded 3. Put it in stir-fries. top are elliptical with smooth edges. to spinach, tastes similar, and can
with antioxidants such as vitamin 4. Mix into grilled vegetables. Many plants have a white powder on replace it in any recipe.
A, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. 5. Use as a garnish. the bottom of their leaves. A tea of the leaves is beneficial
Purslane is one of only a few land- 6. Sprinkle purslane flowers onto fish. Lambsquarters contains more iron, for diarrhea, internal inflammation,
based plants that contains a high 7. Swap out basil leaves for purslane protein, vitamins A, B2, and vitamin stomach aches, and loss of appetite.
amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. to make a pesto. C than either spinach or cabbage. The tea can also be used as a wash to
Omega-3 can support the health 8. Layer onto a sandwich instead of The seeds can also be consumed, heal skin irritations and other external
of your arteries and help prevent lettuce or pickles. either raw, or dried and ground. complaints. Soaking the body in
strokes, heart attacks, and other forms LAMBSQUARTERS (aka Lambsquarters is also relatively high bathwater with lambsquarters tea
of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids Pigweed, Goosefoot, wild spinach), in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty added will support skin health by
could also help reduce your risk of is another weed that is native, having acids. toning and tightening the tissues.
dementia and some types of cancer, been around for a very long time. When lambsquarters is young, the
including breast cancer. Studies This plant comes up in late spring entire above-ground plant is edible. Treasures everywhere! Now you
show that eating purslane can reduce and remains until the fall. It is an The stems and leaves can be eaten will see the messy weeds in a whole
your fasting blood sugar. That can annual that grows quite tall, around raw, steamed, or sautéed. After the new light, and you can create some
be a big help if you live with type 2 five feet, if not pulled early. It has plant matures the older parts will be magic for your body by using them
ridged stems that are reddish green, too tough, but the tender leaves on differently. Happy plotting.