Malabar Red (Ceylon) Spinach Seeds

Malabar Red (Ceylon) Spinach Seeds

Tasting the same as it’s green cousin (Green Malabar) this vigorous climbing vine with striking red stem thrives in warm conditions when true spinach can often struggle. Growing as a perennial in warmer climates or an annual in cooler, plant in full sun or part shade in moist well fertilised soil.

The large thick leaves have a slight lemon and pepper flavour and can be used fresh or cooked as you would true spinach.

Germination can take up to 3 weeks and can be a little tricky however to speed things along, lightly scratch with a knife or sandpaper and soak seeds for 24 hours before planting. For best results grow on trellis or similar.

Health & Culinary Notes

• While technically not spinach, when cooked the larger older leaves taste very similar.
• Used fresh in a mixed salad, young leaves add a slight pepper and lemon flavour.
• Often sauteed with chilli, onion and herbs as a tasty side dish.
• A wonderful vegetable full of iron and vitamins A and C.

.