Purslane leaf

Purslane leaves are the fleshy leaves of purslane, a low-growing succulent plant. They are small, smooth and usually oval, with a crisp, juicy texture when fresh. Their flavour is mild and slightly tart or lemony, and the leaves are often attached to tender stems when sold or harvested.

They can be eaten raw or cooked, used alone or with the tender stems. Cooking softens the leaves, while fresh leaves retain a succulent bite. Plant variety, maturity and whether stems are included affect the prepared ingredient; the name refers to the foliage, not to a dried herb or a processed product.