Malabar Spinach

What Is Malabar Spinach?

Malabar spinach is a tropical vine plant (Basella alba) that, despite its name, is botanically unrelated to true spinach (family Amaranthaceae), coming instead from a completely different family (Basellaceae). It is widely cultivated in the hot regions of South and Southeast Asia and Africa.

It has thick, fleshy, glossy green leaves (with reddish stems in some varieties). When cooked it takes on a slightly slimy-gelatinous texture similar to okra; this quality also gives it a natural thickening effect in soups.

Nutritional Values of Malabar Spinach

100 grams of raw Malabar spinach contains 19 kcal of energy; it carries high vitamin A and vitamin C.

How Should Malabar Spinach Be Consumed?

Malabar spinach can be considered part of a balanced diet as a low-calorie, vitamin-rich food; it is generally consumed after brief cooking.

This information is general; Malabar spinach is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Should Malabar Spinach Be Selected?

Good Malabar spinach has leaves that are glossy green and fleshy, with crisp-fresh, unwilted stems. Yellowed bunches or those with a sharp onion-like (stale) smell are not preferred.

• Leaves should be glossy green and fleshy
• Stems should be crisp and fresh
• Should have no yellowing or stale odor

How Should Malabar Spinach Be Stored?

Malabar spinach can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper for 2-3 days.

Using Malabar Spinach in the Kitchen

Malabar spinach is most often sautéed with garlic and chili pepper, used as a natural thickener in soups, and used in certain Indian-African stews; its short cooking time preserves color and texture.

Why Does Malabar Spinach Develop a Slimy-Gelatinous Texture?

Natural mucilaginous compounds found in its leaves are released with heat; this quality creates a texture effect similar to okra and is deliberately used as a thickener in some recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malabar spinach eaten raw?

It can be eaten, but since its texture may feel slightly slimy when raw, it is generally consumed cooked.

Can Malabar spinach be grown at home?

It is a fast-growing vine that can be easily grown in hot-humid climates or outdoors in summer.

Is Malabar spinach found in Turkey?

It is not common; it can be found in some Asian markets and bazaars, and can also be grown in the garden in warm regions.