Can you eat shepherd's purse when it's old?

Old shepherd's purse is edible, but not recommended for consumption. As it ages, the fibers become coarse and tough, significantly reducing its palatability and digestibility. Its nutritional value also diminishes, and it may accumulate impurities. Overall, the eating experience and nutritional benefits are far inferior to those of fresh, tender shepherd's purse.

With prolonged growth, the stems of old shepherd's purse gradually become woody and fiber content increases. After cooking, it feels rough and fibrous when eaten, leaving noticeable residue. Especially for elderly people, children, or individuals with sensitive digestive systems, consuming it may increase gastrointestinal burden, leading to bloating or indigestion.

From nutritional and hygiene perspectives, fresh tender shepherd's purse contains richer nutrients such as vitamin C and carotene, while these nutrients in older plants are depleted over time or degraded due to environmental factors. Moreover, older leaves are more likely to absorb dust and harbor insect eggs, making them harder to clean thoroughly. Inadequate washing could lead to potential hygiene risks.

To prepare old shepherd's purse, trim off the hardened stems and remove yellowed leaves first. Soak in lightly salted water for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. When cooking, boil it longer or chop it finely and cook together with rice into a porridge, which results in a softer texture and improves digestibility.