Malabar Spinach: Basella Alba
Basella Alba, commonly known as Malabar Spinach is a Nutritional Edible Green
Last Updated
Introduction to Malabar Spinach (Basella Alba)
Basella alba, commonly known as Malabar spinach, stands out as an exceptional edible green, especially in tropical climates such as Darwin. Its impressive heat tolerance allows it to thrive in high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for home gardeners seeking nutritious alternatives to conventional spinach. This lush, leafy vine is prized for its succulent leaves and stems, which are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Malabar spinach is often referred to by other names such as Ceylon spinach, vine spinach, and Indian spinach. This plant is not a true spinach but serves as a great substitute, especially in hot climates when traditional spinach struggles to grow.
Adaptable to Various Growing Conditions
Growing Malabar spinach is a straightforward process. It enjoys a sunny location and well-drained soil, but it is also adaptable to various growing conditions. This perennial plant can be grown in pots or directly in garden beds, climbing trellises, or other structures for support. Regular watering and mulching can help maintain moisture levels and encourage robust growth. Importantly, due to its tendency to climb, proper support such as a trellis will not only maximise the yield but also facilitate easier harvesting.
Climate and Soil
- Climate: Thrives in hot, humid conditions; prefers temperatures above 80°F (27°C)
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile sandy loam with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0
- Watering: Requires consistent moisture to prevent bitterness in leaves
Pest Management
When it comes to pest management, Malabar spinach is relatively resilient. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for common pests like aphids and whiteflies. Preventive measures include maintaining a clean garden, introducing beneficial insects, and using organic insecticidal soaps if necessary. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, but it is advisable to pick them when young and tender for the best flavour and texture.
Planting Tips
- Seeds: Soak seeds overnight before planting
- Spacing: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep, spaced 12-18 inches apart
- Support: Needs a trellis or similar structure to climb
Malabar Spinach Seeds
Vegetable Seeds
Nutritional Profile
The edible leaves are 93% water, 3% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and contain negligible fat. In a 100 gram reference amount, the leaves supply 19 calories of food energy, and are a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value) of vitamins A and C, folate, and manganese, with moderate levels of B vitamins and several dietary minerals. Source: Wikipedia
Healthy Malabar Spinach Recipes
Spanakorizo Greek Spinach Rice
The earthy flavours of Malabar Spinach, feta and rice, create a healthy, nutritious and easy to prepare meal. Read More . . .
Spanakorizo with Malabar Spinach and Feta Cheese
This Delicious Spanakorizo Recipe is a Delightful Twist to the Traditional Greek version, incorporating Malabar spinach, Walnuts and Feta cheese.
Assyrtiko
Premium Greek Olive Oil
Contemporary and Traditional Options
In culinary applications, Basella alba offers versatility. Its leaves can be used fresh in salads, cooked into soups, or stir-fried, providing a delightful alternative to traditional spinach. Its mildly peppery flavour complements various dishes, making it a popular choice in both contemporary and traditional recipes. By incorporating Malabar spinach into your garden, you can enjoy the benefits of a heat-tolerant, nutritious leafy green that not only bolsters your diet but also adds lush greenery to your outdoor space.
More Dinner Menu Recipe Ideas
The Best Laksa Recipe with Simple Instructions
This ‘Darwin’ sweet potato laksa recipe brings a local touch to this traditional dish by incorporating sweet potato tubers, leaves and noodles. Read More . . .
Sweet Potato Laksa Recipe
Perfectly seasoned with laksa curry paste and enhanced with Fresh Ingredients like lime wedges and Thai Basil, this hearty dish serves four and is simple to prepare.
Sweet Potato Roasting Pans
Sweet Potato Recipes
Growing Edible Leafy Greens
Growing greens at home reduces reliance on commercial produce, which may be impacted by transportation and storage conditions. Furthermore, cultivating fresh tasty vegetables allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their growing patterns and nutritional needs. Ultimately this leads to a more holistic, connected and mindful approach to eating fresh greens at home. Read More . . .
7 Best Edible Tropical Greens
Incorporating edible greens into one’s diet offers a plethora of health benefits. These greens are typically low in calories while being rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Kangkong Water Spinach Seeds
Organic Moringa Seeds
More Edible Leafy Greens
Sweet Potato: Ipomoea Batatas
Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as sweet potato, is a vibrant and Highly Nutritious plant that thrives exceptionally well in warm and humid climatic conditions in equatorial regions.
Planting Calendars and Guides
Give your Malabar Spinach plants the best start in life by correctly choosing the optimal times for seasonal sowing and harvesting.
Gardening Calendars for Planning and Planting
Astrological Moon Calendar & Planting Guide
Edible Top End Gardens: Design and Creation
Top End Gardens have been designing and creating edible tropical gardens for over 20 years. Get in Touch to Find Out More.
Book an Appointment Now!
Free quotes for irrigation, gardening and landscaping projects are available upon request
Popular Posts
View More Posts
Don’t Miss Out These Great Deals From Our Ebay Partners!
Organic Moringa Extract Drops
Organic Hibiscus Flower Extract
Women’s Waterproof Gumboots
Stylish Women’s Gardening Gloves
Walk Behind Whipper Snippers
Best Rated Reliable Pressure Washers
Hunter X-Core Irrigation Controllers
WiFi Irrigation Controllers
Top Deals on Cordless Power Drills
Top Rated Petrol Chainsaws
2025 Anti-Obesity Berry Springs Irrigation Services Brazilian Spinach Controllers and Timers Coolalinga Irrigation Services N.T. Darwin Dry Season Edible Garden Gardening in Australia Girraween Irrigation Services N.T. Healthy Food Humpty Doo Irrigation Services Hunter Irrigation Hunter NODE Hunter X-Core Indonesian Food Installing Irrigation Controller Irrigation Controller Irrigation Installers Near Me Irrigation Repairs Near Me Irrigation Services Near Me Irrigation Systems Irrigation Timer Irrigation Valves Irrigation Zones Lawn Sprinklers Litchfield N.T. Livingstone Irrigation Services Malabar Spinach Moringa Oleifera Palmerston Roselle Special Offers Sprinkler Timer Super Food Sweet Leaf Sweet Potato Thai Food Traditional Medicine Tropical Vegan Food Vegetables Vegetarian Food Water Spinach
Comments