Purslane Portulaca oleracea is growing rapidly now that the summer temperatures are rising. Many New Zealanders don’t know or value it. It’s been seen as a nuisance weed that grows in our paths, flower or vegetable beds, without realizing its hidden benefits one of which is that it’s a great ground cover. And it is […] Read more
Purslane – hugely nutritious
Purslane – Portulaca oleracea Purslane has to be the one of the least appreciated edible weeds in New Zealand with huge hidden benefits. The greatest benefit being high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids (known to help prevent heart disease and improve the immune system), a whopping 4mg per gram, compared to .89mg in spinach. Purslane […] Read more
Purslane Weed Pesto & Cashew Mayonnaise
Purslane – Portulaca oleracea Description This has to be one of the least appreciated edible weeds with huge hidden benefits. It has 4mg per gram of Omega-3 fatty acid, compared to .89mg in spinach, so I had to include this gem. Purslane is a bit like a succulent with fleshy, hairless, rounded leaves growing on […] Read more
Ten reasons to eat ‘weeds’
This year of 2020 has been a very unusual with the lock-down time and borders still closed and all the unexpected effects on our lives. For me it has resulted in a greater interest in the wild edibles in book and seed sales and workshop attendance. See upcoming ones here. People are now thinking more […] Read more
February 2018 in Julia’s Garden
February’s been hot and sunny as well as soggy and wet, but I’ve been grateful for the rain, as I haven’t had to water so much, and my water tanks are full for watering the potted plants when they dry out. I keep saucers under them to help keep them moist. The hay I used […] Read more
Adventures in Golden Bay
Rather than featuring a plant, this post is about my trip South. I’ve recently come back from a fortnight visiting Collingwood, Nelson and Christchurch where I ran workshops on Wild Edibles, visited old friends, made wonderful new friends and did some Wwoofing (Working on Organic Farms in exchange for board). One of my old friends NgAngA (who by […] Read more
An Interview with Sharon who also loves ‘weeds’
Hello Everyone, I had this idea to interview someone who has taken my Edible Weed course and ask how their journey has been since the course. I invited my friend Sharon Watt to answer the following questions and found out how her views of weeds have changed, what her favourite ‘weed’ is, and what she […] Read more
Edible Weeds
Weeds are often thought of as undesirable, but some of them happen to be superfoods, packed with nutrients we all need. It is VERY IMPORTANT however, that you identify weeds carefully before eating them. The golden rules for enjoying wild edibles responsibly are: If you donʼt know what it is donʼt eat it. Learn to […] Read more