If you’re looking for a vegetable that grows as fast as a weed but delivers the nutritional punch of spinach, meet Malabar spinach. Also known as Basella Alba, this tropical spinach is a vigorous climber with large, beautiful green leaves and a flavor profile that is nearly identical to regular spinach. It’s an easy-to-grow superfood that can provide you with fresh greens all season long.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Malabar spinach is not just delicious; it’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It has a similar nutritional profile to traditional spinach and is rich in:
- Vitamins A and C: For immune support and healthy skin.
- Magnesium and Phosphorus: Essential for strong, healthy bones.
- Calcium: Crucial for bone density and muscle function.
- Iron and Potassium: Important for cardiovascular health and regulating water balance in the body.
- A variety of other B vitamins that support energy and overall vitality.
How to Grow Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach is incredibly easy to grow. You can find the seeds online and plant them in a sunny location. It thrives in warm climates and will grow like a weed, with vines that can be woven around a support. There are varieties with both green and red stems, but all taste the same. In warmer climates like Florida, it can even grow year-round, giving you an endless supply of fresh greens for your salads and other dishes.
From Vine to Plate
The beautiful thing about Malabar spinach is its versatility. The leaves can be used in any dish where you would use traditional spinach, such as a hearty lasagna, a delicious stew, or a fresh salad. The seeds, which appear as little black berries on the vine, can also be used. You can pick the seeds, dry them, and then use them just like spinach.
Final Thoughts
Malabar spinach is a wonderful, great-tasting, and powerful plant that is simple to grow and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this plant will reward you with a bounty of fresh, delicious greens.
