Chinese Spinach (Amaranthus dubius) Also known as red spinach, Amaranthus dubius is a leafy vegetable that can be used and has a similar spinach taste. Despite its name, Chinese or Asian spinach is native to Mexico and South America, although it is widely used in Asian cooking.
Is Chinese spinach spinach?
Spinach is also from the Amaranthacae family, but amaranth and spinach are from different genera – the genus of amaranth is Amaranthus, while the genus of spinach is Spinacia. This vegetable is also called een/en choy or Chinese spinach.
Is Chinese spinach healthy?
Nutritional Value
Chinese spinach is a source of a complete protein, containing a complete set of amino acids. The protein content in the leaves helps to reduce insulin levels in the blood and releases a hormone that lessens hunger and cravings, aiding in weight loss.
What is China spinach?
It originated in Asia and has two main species: Basella alba (green stem) and Basella rubra (red stem). Chinese spinach has a mild, slightly peppery flavor which resembles spinach, yet it has a slimy texture like that of okra. Chinese spinach can be cooked like spinach or eaten raw. Recipe. Spinach with Sesame & Garlic.
Is Chinese spinach the same as water spinach?
Despite its English name, water spinach is not really spinach, nor is it botanically related to it. It (ipomoea aquatica) is a member of the convolvulaceae (morning glory) family. Other English names for it include: swamp spinach, river spinach, and Chinese spinach.
What are the three types of spinach?
There are three basic types of spinach:
- Flat-leaf spinach is by far the most popular type of spinach in the United States.
- Savoy spinach (also called curly leaf spinach) has crinkly, curly leaves that are very dark green.
- Semi-savoy spinach has semi-crinkly leaves with the same crisp texture as savoy spinach.
Why is Chinese spinach bitter?
Asian Spinach contains oxalic acid, which is the source of bitterness. We usually remove the oxalic acid before we eat.
What is the healthiest spinach to eat?
Raw spinach is, however, higher is vitamin C and potassium. A rotation of a variety of leafy greens, including raw and cooked spinach, are therefore ideal for a healthy diet.
Which type of spinach is most nutritious?
Teton spinach produces delicious dark green leaves. Teton spinach is packed with vitamin A, B, and C, making it an excellent healthy choice for any meal.
Can Chinese spinach be eaten raw?
Also known as “Chinese spinach,” the small leaves are best eaten raw, while the larger leaves are best sautéed or stir-fried. Since it’s loaded with nitrates, potassium and oxalic acid, it is advised not to eat too much of this green if you have kidney problems.
Are Chinese greens healthy?
Asian greens are a source of iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and K. Eating Asian greens regularly is a delicious and easy way to add these important nutrients to your diet, which can help maintain your overall health and decrease risk for some chronic diseases.
Does Chinese spinach have iron?
Nutritional Value
Chinese spinach is highly concentrated with iron, copper, carbohydrates, calcium, folate, vitamin A, B6 and Vitamin C.
Is Malabar spinach as healthy as regular spinach?
The leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium and iron, with many other vitamins and minerals in lower quantities. It has over 3 times more vitamin C than spinach, and over 1.5 times more vitamin A than kale.
Which is better spinach or water spinach?
Minerals. Spinach is richer not only in vitamins but in minerals as well. Spinach has 15 times more iron, five times more zinc, and nearly four times more magnesium than watercress. Spinach is also richer in potassium, copper and contains higher levels of sodium.
Can I replace spinach with water spinach?
Still, if you don’t have any water spinach for your meals, you can substitute with: Regular spinach: They become tender when cooked but don’t have the same silky-smooth texture as water spinach. Sweet potato leaves: They taste a little like conventional spinach, which makes them ideal substitutes for water spinach.
Can you eat Chinese spinach stems?
You can serve them once the water has mostly evaporated, stems are still bright green and tender. As tasty as they are, spinach stems are also good for your health. They’re packed with vitamin A, B6, C, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium. However, don’t forget the scrub them well.
Which spinach is best for cooking?
Baby spinach and trimmed flat-leaf work well for smoothies, salad, and cooking. Curly-leaf spinach is best for sauteing, blanching, or steaming.
Are all spinach the same?
There are three common types of spinach—flat, savoy and semi-savoy. As the name implies, flat-leaf spinach has smooth leaves. Savoy spinach has curly leaves, and semi-savoy has slightly curly leaves.
What is normal spinach called?
Read on to find out more about this everyday yet extraordinary vegetable. The first thing to know is that spinach is divided into three main varieties: savoy, semi-savoy and flat-leafed. Each of these varieties has their cultivars or sub-varieties. The truest form of spinach is scientifically called Spinacea oleracia.
What does Chinese spinach taste like?
Flavor: The leaves are similar to romaine, while the stalks taste a little like cucumber. There’s a mild bitterness as well. Texture: The leaves and inner stalk are tender like lettuce; discard the outer stalk. Best cooked: Stir fry the leaves.
What takes away the bitterness from spinach?
Try Blanching. If you plan to use the spinach in a salad or need the leaves un-wilted for some other reason, blanch them to remove bitterness. Blanching refers to the process of submerging food in boiling water and then transferring it to a bowl of ice water. A 15-second dip in boiling water is enough.