Did You Know?
Malabar spinach is not a true spinach — it belongs to the Basella family but is used as a spinach substitute.
Overview
Asia · summer · vegetables
A tropical vine with thick, glossy leaves similar to spinach but with a slightly mucilaginous texture.
Asia
Origin
summer
Season
Easy
Difficulty
vegetables
Category
Flavor Profile
Mildslightly mucilaginous
Storage Tips
Refrigerate in a bag up to 3-4 days. Wilts quickly after harvest.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Malabar Spinach
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Use like spinach in stir-fries and soups. Mucilage makes it good for thickening. Add to dals and curries.
Best Pairings
garliconionturmericlentilscoconut
Substitutes
Spinach, Swiss chard, amaranth leaves
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Malabar Spinach
Nutrition Highlights
fat
0.3
carbs
3.4
fiber
2
protein
1.8
calories
19
Quick Facts
Categoryvegetables
OriginAsia
Seasonsummer
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
High in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Mucilage may support gut health.
Malabar Spinach Photos
6 photos showcasing Malabar Spinach in its many forms
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Malabar Spinach
vegetables
OriginAsia
Seasonsummer
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Mildslightly mucilaginous
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Pairs Well With
garliconionturmericlentilscoconut
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