Shepherd's purse, also known as Hu Sheng Cao, Ji Xin Cai, or Jing Chang Cao, grows on roadsides, in wild fields, and on the ridges of rice paddies. The Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi wrote a poem that says, "I often search for wild vegetables in the wheat fields," which means that shepherd's purse was originally a wild vegetable from wheat fields, not cultivated in vegetable gardens.
Shepherd's purse is eaten for its tender leaves. It is not only a nutritious and delicious vegetable but can also treat many diseases. There is a proverb that says, "On the third day of the third lunar month in spring, shepherd's purse is as good as a magic pill." There is also a saying that, "Eating shepherd's purse in spring is better than a fairy elixir."
【How to Choose】
There are generally two types of shepherd's purse sold in vegetable markets: one is the broad-leaf shepherd's purse, also called large-leaf shepherd's purse, which has wide, light-colored leaves; the other is the flower-leaf shepherd's purse, also called hundred-leg shepherd's purse, which is green.
The former has a high yield and looks good; the latter has a low yield but is of better quality, with a stronger aroma and a fresher taste. When buying at the market, don't be misled by appearance; it's better to choose those that grow individually, as those that grow in clumps are of poorer quality. Don't dislike the ones with red leaves, as they have a stronger aroma and better flavor.
When selecting, the stalk should not be too long, about 25-35 cm is appropriate. It is best if the leaves are green and the stalks are thick. Usually, only the stalks are eaten, but the roots and leaves are also edible.
【Nutritional Value】
Shepherd's purse is eaten as a vegetable for its tender stems and leaves. It is a high-fiber vegetable with very high nutritional value, possessing rich and relatively balanced nutrients.
The vitamin C content in shepherd's purse is more than twice that of Chinese cabbage, its calcium content is the highest among vegetables, its protein content exceeds that of kidney beans, Chinese cabbage, and tomatoes, and its carotene content is also very high.
In addition, shepherd's purse also contains oxalic acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, and various alkaloids such as flavonoids, choline, and acetylcholine, which help enhance the body's immune function.
According to measurements, every 100 grams of edible shepherd's purse contains 5.2 grams of protein, 0.4 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 3.2 milligrams of carotene, 5 milligrams of vitamin C, 0.14 milligrams of vitamin B1, 0.19 milligrams of vitamin B2, 73 milligrams of phosphorus, 6.3 milligrams of iron, and various elements such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, zinc, and copper, as well as more than 10 amino acids required by the human body.
【Medicinal Effects】
Shepherd's purse has high medicinal value, and the whole plant can be used as medicine. It is sweet in taste and neutral in nature, and has the effects of improving eyesight, cooling, relieving fever, promoting urination, and treating dysentery.
1. Shepherd's purse contains a high amount of vitamin A precursor, which has a certain therapeutic effect on eye diseases such as cataracts and night blindness.
2. Shepherd's purse can cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and can also lower cholesterol levels in the blood while improving blood sugar.
3. The vitamin C in shepherd's purse can block the formation of nitrosamines in the intestines, which can reduce the probability of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
4. Shepherd's purse is a fragrant and fresh vegetable. Eating more of it can make hair black and beautiful. Shepherd's purse has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and cooling the blood, which is very beneficial for preventing premature graying of hair.
5. Shepherd's purse has the effects of harmonizing the spleen, promoting urination, stopping bleeding, and improving eyesight. It can treat dysentery, edema, strangury, chyluria, various bleeding conditions, and hemorrhagic anemia.
6. Its flowers and seeds can stop bleeding and treat conditions such as hematuria, nephritis, hypertension, dysentery, and dizziness.
【How to Eat】
Shepherd's purse can be prepared in various ways: congee, rice, fillings, stir-fried, or cold salad.
Shepherd's purse is especially suitable for making fillings. When paired with a meat filling, it can be used as the filling for wontons, dumplings, or spring rolls.