Golden Purslane - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

Golden purslane is a herbaceous annual vegetable plant that grows up to 15 cm (6in) tall. It is a summer variety that produces a large number of wide, golden, crisp and fleshy leaves without being invasive. Very mild flavour. Leaves can be consumed raw or cooked. Sowing period is from May to July for a harvest 2 months later.

Purslane is a creeping annual plant whose leaves have a slightly lemony flavor. Whether raw in salads or cooked like spinach leaves, purslane has the advantage of being low in calories and has antioxidant properties. It is notably the basis of the famous "Cretan diet" and protects against cardiovascular diseases.

Rather inconspicuous in the vegetable garden, purslane reaches a height of only 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) and spreads over 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20in). It prefers a sunny location in any ordinary and well-drained soil. Once well established, it does not need to be watered, as purslane tolerates drought very well.

Maintenance: Pinch the stems when the plants reach about 10 cm (4in).

Harvest: 8 to 10 weeks after sowing; harvest the stems without cutting too short to allow regrowth.

Harvest the younger purslane shoots, which are more pleasant to eat and even melt in the mouth.

Storage: It is best to consume purslane quickly after harvest, but it can be stored for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator in the vegetable drawer, wrapped in absorbent paper. The fleshy leaves of purslane can also be preserved in vinegar and used as a condiment, similar to capers.

Gardener's tip: Purslane likes to be in close proximity to all other vegetables in the garden.