Purslane

Purslane

　　Also known as longevity vegetable, melon seed vegetable, five-snake vegetable, or five-element herb, purslane is a fleshy herbaceous plant belonging to the Portulacaceae family. It contains carotene, vitamins A, B, and C, as well as abundant protein, crude fiber, and trace elements such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Traditional Chinese medicine considers purslane to be slightly cold in nature, with effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling, cooling blood, lowering blood pressure, promoting urination, and more. It can be used to treat hepatitis, hematuria, dysentery, icteric hepatitis, and gynecological diseases. Commonly used in folk cooking, it is often boiled in soup, cooked in porridge, or served cold. For example, take 500 grams of purslane, wash and cut into sections, boil in a pot, then remove and cool in cold water. Squeeze out the water by hand, mix with mashed garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, MSG, and other seasonings to eat. Not only is it sour, spicy, and refreshing, but it also has excellent therapeutic effects. Alternatively, briefly blanch purslane in boiling water, dry it, and when ready to eat, soak it and stir-fry with meat or stir-fry on its own. The taste is unique and rich. (Qingyuan)