Purslane: The Superfood You Didn’t Know You Needed

Step-by-Step Freezing Method:

1. Harvest and Clean: Start by harvesting fresh purslane leaves and stems. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Blanch (Optional): To preserve the vibrant green color and nutrients, you can blanch the purslane by boiling it in water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transferring it to ice water to stop the cooking process. This step is optional but recommended.
3. Blend: Place the cleaned purslane in a blender or food processor. Add a small amount of water or olive oil (optional) to help with blending. Blend until smooth, creating a puree.
4. Pour into Molds: Pour the purslane puree into ice cube trays or silicone molds. This allows you to have portion-controlled servings ready to use.
5. Freeze: Place the trays in the freezer and let the purslane cubes freeze completely, which usually takes a few hours.
6. Store: Once frozen, remove the cubes from the trays and transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date for future reference.

How to Use Frozen Purslane Cubes

• Add to Smoothies: Drop a cube into your morning smoothie for an extra boost of nutrients without altering the taste significantly.
• Mix into Soups and Stews: Add frozen purslane cubes to soups, stews, or broths to enrich the flavor and nutritional content.
• Sauté with Vegetables: Toss a cube into a pan with other vegetables while sautéing for added texture and flavor.
• Stir into Salads: Let a cube thaw and mix it into salad dressings or directly into salads for a fresh and tangy addition.

Conclusion:

Purslane is more than just a weed; it’s a nutritional powerhouse that can greatly benefit your health when incorporated into your diet. Preserving purslane in frozen cubes is a convenient and effective way to ensure you always have this nutritious green on hand. By following this simple method, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of purslane year-round and effortlessly elevate your everyday meals with its unique flavor and health properties.