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Water Spinach

Also Known As : Kalmi Saag, Kangkong, Kangkung, Kankun, River spinach, Water morning glory, Water convolvulus, Chinese spinach, Swamp cabbage
Technical Name : Ipomoea aquatica
Can Eat 0

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Water spinach leaves are sweet to taste.

Usage Tips

  1. Both the leaves and stems of water spinach are used for cooking. They are best steamed or stir-fried. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or added to soup.
  2. The leaves can be put in a mixer or grinder and strained to drink its juice. Water Spinach is very perishable, so it is best to store it in the refrigerator wrapped in paper or plastic without any moisture. Preferably cook it on the same the day it is bought.

Common names and forms

  1. Karemua leaves with stems chopped

Description

Water Spinach is a vine that belongs to the morning glory family, whose leaves and stems are mostly eaten. It grows on water with its roots growing under water, and leaves above the water surface.It also grows on damp soil. The leaves are somewhat arrow-shaped and can come in different colours like purple, white or green. The stems are hollow and the flowers are funnel-shaped like those of morning glory plants.There are two major varieties of water spinach- 1) Ching Quat, also called “green stem” water spinach. It has narrow leaves and white flowers and grows mostly in moist soils. 2) Pak Quat, also called “white stem” water spinach. It has arrow-shaped leaves and pink flowers and isgrows on water. Water Spinach is cultivated in countries like Asia, Africa and Brazil. It is mostly used in south-east asian cuisines and is available all year round.

Health benefits

  • Water spinach is a rich source of vitamin-A which plays a vital role in promoting the health of skin, hair and eyes.(1) 
  • It is also rich in vitamin C which is a strong anti-oxidant, thus protecting the human body from various diseases.(1) 

Selection Guide

It is best to choose freshly harvested water spinach. The leaves should be fresh and not wilted or bruised. The stems should be tender and crisp.

Note

Water spinach when consumed raw may transmit a parasite called Fasciolopsis buski, resulting in fasciolopsiasis.It may lower blood sugar levels and may be dangerous for people on diabetic medication.(2)

Resource & Links

1) https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/kangkong.html

2) http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/kangkong.htm

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”