Purslane: The Weed We Learned To Cherish | Grow, Eat & Feed It to Chickens

What if the weed growing in your lawn could become food for your family and a favorite treat for your chickens? This is our story with purslane — a small, resilient garden plant known in Chinese as ma chi xian. We first learned about it from my mom, who recognized it growing quietly in neighborhood lawns. Today, we grow purslane intentionally in our garden, eat it seasonally, and feed it to our chickens. In this video, we explore how to identify purslane, how it grows, its small yellow flowers and remarkable seed production, and why this humble plant has been valued as food and medicine in Chinese tradition. I’ll also show you how we enjoy purslane in the kitchen, including a simple Chinese-style preparation with vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. We’ll look at its nutritional qualities, including plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as why purslane contains oxalates and is best enjoyed as one seasonal green among many. And there is another reason purslane has earned a place in our garden: our chickens absolutely love it. From sidewalk cracks to garden planters, purslane has a way of appearing where we least expect it. Once you learn to recognize it, you may start seeing this little plant differently. Have you ever eaten purslane, or do you still pull it as a weed? If you keep chickens, what garden greens do they love? If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe to WithTheGarden, and share it with someone who loves edible gardening, traditional food, or growing food for backyard chickens. 🌱 Welcome to WithTheGarden — edible gardening and a slower, more attentive way of connecting with the garden from Los Angeles. 🔔 Subscribe to grow with us:    / @withthegarden   About WithTheGarden: We believe that every square foot has a job and that gardening is a constant conversation with nature. Whether we’re sautéing homegrown greens or negotiating peace treaties with invasive vines, there’s always something new to learn in the backyard. Let’s Connect: Instagram:   / withthegarden   Facebook:   / withthegarden   Pinterest: https://pin.it/6C50H7TLB #Purslane #EdibleGardening #WithTheGarden #BackyardChickens #Gardening