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Milberger's Nursery and Landscaping
3920 North Loop 1604 E.
San Antonio, TX 78247
210.497.3760
nursery@milbergersa.com

Open 9 to 6 Mon. through Sat.
and 10 to 5 on Sun.


Three exits east 281, inside of 1604
Next to the Diamond Shamrock station
Please click map for more detailed map and driving directions.




Beverages–Breads and Cereals –Condiments
Desserts –Herbs –Jellies and Preserves
Main Dishes – Salads and Dressings –Side Dishes
Snacks –Soups – Sugar Free

MEXICAN PURSLANE STUFFING

Q. I have a terrible weed problem in my garden that I hope you can help me with. For several years I have had a weed which is a low and semi-succulent annual, whose stems spread mat-like over the ground, sprouting sprigs of fleshy little leaves and tiny yellow flowers. These pesky plants are even popping up in my flower bed and the more I chop the more plants there seem to be! How can I get rid of these pests?

A. Why would you want to eliminate the first "vegetable" which is ready to harvest in everyone's garden? You are describing purslane. Purslane is also the heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant flower which is sometimes referred to as the Dolly Parton flower because it blooms from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The smaller blooming "weedy" cousin of the cultivated Dolly Parton flower as well as Dolly herself have suddenly become the belles of the garden among creative chefs and nutritionists. Although purslane has proliferated as a wild edible around the world for centuries, in its renaissance purslane is acclaimed for not one, but two starring attractions: the rediscovery of its cooking possibilities--its tinker-toy eye appeal, crisp texture and lightly tangy taste--and the scientific discovery of its potentially healthful omega-3 fatty acids. If this weren't enough, it has above average values of Vitamins A and C and provides all of these goodies with only 15 calories in a 100-gram portion (as compared with 76 in a boiled potato).

Purslane is eaten extensively in soups and salads throughout the Mediterranean area, where the incidence of heart disease is low. The Russians dry and can it for the winter. In Mexico it is called VERDOLAGA and is a favorite comfort food, eaten in an omelet or as a side dish, rolled in tortillas, or dropped by handfuls into soups and stews.

The exciting new health discovery is purslane's high content of alpha linolenic acid, a type of the omega-3 fatty acids. It may affect human health directly, but the most intriguing possibility is that the human body might be able to convert into other, related kinds of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) found in fish oils. Researchers see evidence that these substances lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as make the blood less likely to form clots. But ages before this scientific finding, purslane was eaten as treatment for arthritis, inflammation and heart disease and to promote general good health.

If you need recipes:
MEXICAN PURSLANE STUFFING

This is a home-type dish that is as simple to prepare as "scrambled eggs with..." but much more nutritious. Serve as a side dish, a brunch main dish or as a filling in tortillas and pitas.

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