Beat the summer heat with green-leafy vegetable kulfa or purslane. Experts answer how

Experiment with different recipes to discover the delicious versatility of this underrated vegetable, said Mohini Dongre, dietician, Narayana Hospital Gurugram

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | Updated: March 23, 2024 11:09 AM IST

3 min read

Do you eat kulfa? (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Green leafy vegetables are a must, not just for eating seasonal and fresh but also nutritious. While spinach or palak and fenugreek leaves or methi are the most common green leafy vegetables, you must have purslane or kulfa too this season. According to nutritionist Leema Mahajan, it is a culinary find like no other. She took to Instagram to share a post.

What is kulfa?

Kulfa, also known as purslane or portulaca oleracea, is a succulent leafy green vegetable commonly found in many parts of the world, especially in the summer months. “It is highly nutritious and offers numerous health benefits, particularly during hot weather,” said Payal Sharma, dietician, Dharamshila Narayana Suprspeciality Hospital.

Kulfa is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. “It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit heart health. Additionally, kulfa is low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making it a great choice for weight management and digestive health,” said Sharma.

One of the key benefits of kulfa during summer is its ability to keep the body hydrated. According to Sharma, its high water content helps replenish fluids lost through sweating, keeping the body cool and preventing dehydration. “Furthermore, kulfa is believed to have cooling properties, making it a popular ingredient in traditional remedies for heat-related ailments such as heatstroke and prickly heat,” said Sharma.

Kulfa is good for your digestive system (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

So, incorporating kulfa into your diet during the summer months can help support hydration, provide essential nutrients, and promote overall well-being in hot weather conditions.

How to use it?

To enjoy kulfa, rinse it thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

Mohini Dongre, dietician, Narayana Hospital Gurugram, kulfa can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in various dishes such as stir-fries, soups, or curries. “Its slightly tangy flavour adds a refreshing touch to any meal,” said Dongre.

According to Dongre, incorporating kulfa into your diet can improve heart health, digestion, and overall well-being.

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“Experiment with different recipes to discover the delicious versatility of this underrated vegetable,” said Dongre.

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