While commonly grown as a houseplant or decorative addition to a garden, purple shamrock is an entirely edible plant. In this crop guide, you’ll learn how purple shamrock survives year after year, why Area 2 Farms delivers it fresh, and how to easily incorporate it into your weekly meals.
What is purple shamrock?
Purple shamrock is native to South America and part of the oxalis family, which includes wood sorrels and clover-leaved plants of all kinds. It is a rhizomatic, herbaceous plant, which means that it is a perennial with an underground plant stem that is able to produce the shoot and roots system for a new plant. This plant stem stores starches and proteins to ensure the plant’s survival through winter and the growth of new leaves and flowers in the spring.
The purple shamrock plant grows trifoliate, triangular leaves that are deep purple - they actually close at night or on a cloudy day, and open with morning light. The plant produces clusters of white and pink flowers. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and have a citrusy flavor due to their high levels of oxalic acid (also found in vegetables like spinach and broccoli) and vitamin C.
Due to the frequent use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, it’s not recommended to forage for purple shamrock outdoors. At our farm in Arlington, VA, we grow and deliver certified organic purple shamrock that you can trust.
How to prepare purple shamrock
Purple shamrock’s earthy, citrus flavor and good-looking purple leaves work well as an edible garnish for co*cktails and tart desserts. Here are some more ways to prepare purple shamrock:
Lemonade: Add purple shamrock leaves, lemon juice and some sugar to water - mix well.
Salads: Use purple shamrock leaves as a colorful addition to your salads. Their citrusy taste will add a refreshing zing to lettuces and microgreens. Simply wash the leaves thoroughly and toss them into your salad mix.
Herb butter or cheese: Blend purple shamrock leaves into softened butter or soft cheese along with other herbs like parsley or chives.
Purple shamrock health benefits
Because of its high oxalic content, excessive consumption of purple shamrock can inhibit calcium absorption; but consuming it in moderation can have benefits. It does contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, K and various B vitamins, as well as fiber. These nutrients play important roles in supporting the immune system, bone health, and energy metabolism.
Purple shamrock facts
Purple shamrock is also referred to as false shamrock, love plant and purple wood sorrel.
Gardening and caring for plants like purple shamrock can have positive effects on mental health and well-being. Engaging in activities like gardening may help reduce stress and improve your mood.
