A unique and succulent leafy vegetable known for its distinctive appearance with a low-growing succulent shrub with a robust structure, Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) originates from South Africa spreading to various regions with temperate climates. The plant's fleshy leaves are covered in crystalline-like structures, giving the leafy green this name. Besides its ornamental appeal, this edible green veggie is valued for its salty, slightly tangy taste, making it a versatile addition to salads or cooked dishes. Rich in vitamins and minerals, Ice Plant is gaining attention for its nutritional benefits and its adaptability to arid environments.
Also Read: Lettuce: Get Good Health And Shiny Skin With This Delicate Leafy Green- Infographic
The scientific name, Mesembryanthemum, is derived from the Greek words ‘mesembria’ meaning 'midday' and ‘anthemum’ meaning 'flower' suggesting the belief that the plant only flowers at midday. Some other names for this plant include common ice plant, crystalline ice plant, fig marigold, frost plant, diamond plant, dew plant, and edible ice plant. Ice plant can grow up to one meter tall with a life cycle that lasts a few months, depending on the environment. It can thrive in different types of soils The leaves of the ice plant are tear-drop-shaped with wavy margins. They wither from the apex as they age and are large and rounded, initially, yellowish, or grassy-green when new, but later becoming rusty. The flowers are solitary and have multiple thin petals and typically bloom from July to September, opening in the morning and closing at night.
Also Read: Collard Greens: 5 Incredible Health Benefits Of This Green Leafy Vegetable
Health Benefits of Common Ice Plant
Ice plant and its cousin Kudzu are used in various regions around the world to treat different health conditions. The plant contains high levels of isoflavones, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids, which have significant effects on human metabolism. Some potent health benefits of this flower are:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis Control
The juice of the fruit is used to effectively treat pulmonary tuberculosis. Traditional healers often combine it with olive oil and honey for enhanced effectiveness.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
The plant's anti-inflammatory compounds
contribute to promoting a healthier cardiovascular system, potentially lowering blood pressure and reducing levels of bad cholesterol.
Relief from Minor Skin Problems
The sap of ice plant is used to treat minor skin issues, treating various inflammatory skin conditions. It can also be added to bathwater to soothe irritated areas of the body. It is a common ingredient in topical solutions for psoriasis and related conditions.
Protection against UV Rays
Common Ice Plant extract is used in sunscreens and ointments for sunburn to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and aid in the healing of damaged skin.
Cures Constipation
The fruit of the ice Plant contains laxative properties and can be consumed regularly to alleviate constipation.
Soothes Sores
Chewing on the leaf tip or applying the leaf juice directly onto oral sores can aid in the healing process. Gargling with the juice may provide relief from a sore throat and other oral infections.
Culinary Uses Of Ice Plant
The leaves and stems of this leafy green can be used as a spinach substitute. They have a thick, succulent texture with a slightly salty tang. They can be steamed, cooked, or can be consumed raw. They can also be used to garnish a food item.
A versatile plant, you can also even steep it in boiling water to make tea. Another way how you can use this nutritious vegetable and add it to your daily meal is in the form of salad. We bring you a quick and super easy ice plant tossed salad recipe:
Ice Plant Sesame Salad
- 500 grams of ice plant
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
Method:
- Wash the ice plant and spin it dry
- If the leaves are large, gently break them up
- Mince the garlic as finely as possible
- Mix garlic with soy, vinegar, sugar, oil, and sesame oil
- Stir until sugar is dissolved and it becomes thick
- Mix in sesame seeds to it
- Toss the ice plant leaves into this dressing
- Ice plant salad with sesame is ready
Nutrition
The nutrient-dense salad has an ice plant in its raw form, which is loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds. These help to fight oxidative damage and keep chronic ailments at bay. The addition of healthy oils makes this salad easy to digest, thus promoting gut health and aiding skin health.
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog
References:
Optimization of Nutrient-Rich Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) Paste Fresh Noodle Pasta Using Response Surface Methodology
Yeo-Wool Kang and Na-Mi Joo, Conceptualization, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing*
Laura Gazza, Academic Editor
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10340727/
Growth and phytochemicals of ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) as affected by various combined ratios of red and blue LEDs in a closed-type plant production system
Author links open overlay panelYoung J. Kim a, Hye M. Kim a, Hyeon M. Kim a, Hye R. Lee a, Byoung R. Jeong a b d, Hyeon-Jeong Lee a, Hyun-Jin Kim a c d, Seung J. Hwang a b d e
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214786120300280
