Malabar spinach

Also Known As : Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach
Technical Name : Basella alba

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

It has a mild taste of citrus and pepper.

Usage Tips

  1. Malabar spinach can be sauteed as a vegetable and can also be eaten raw.
  2. It can be used in salads and stir-fries as well.

Common names and forms

  1. Basale leaves
  2. Chopped pui saag

Description

Malabar spinach is an edible vine in the family Basellaceae. It is cultivated as a vegetable in warm climate and well-drained soils and is found in tropical Asia and Africa. It has dark green, fleshy and heart shaped leaves that have juicy and crisy texture.

Health benefits

  • Malabar spinach is a good source of folate which helps reduce the chances of cardiovascular diseases.(1)
  • As it is rich in folate, it helps to treat Alzheimer’s disease.(1)
  • It provides energy.(1)
  • It is good for pregnant women as folate prevents neural tube defects in the unborn child.(1)

Selection Guide

Look for malabar spinach with fleshy, thick leaves that are juicy and crisp.

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