Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Malabar Spinach

Malabar Spinach is a broad-leafed variety of spinach that is grown in Far Eastern countries for the shoots and leaves of the plant. It has a mild taste and is perennial. Malabar spinach is in the Basellaceae family, not the spinach family. The taste is similar to spinach hence it name.




It is a vigorous climbing plant and the vine should be taught to climb up some type of support. It thrives in warm, moist, and sunny climates especially when the temperature reaches over 90 degrees. It is not a cold tolerant plant. You should harvest the leaves and shoot tips 60 days after seeding and continue harvesting throughout the growing season. You should cut from the top and sides of the plant as it grows. Malabar spinach can be cooked or eaten raw and can be used to thicken soups, in stir-fries, or even in salad dishes.