Grow spinach. Why? Because Spinach is an all time superfood.
Different types of spinach
We have few different "spinach" growing in our garden. No idea why they are all called spinach and they are not in the same family as the spinach Popeye eats i.e. Spinacia Oleracea. The local Bayam as we call it in Malay (Amaranthus) has big soft leaves - great for soups, the Brazilian Spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) has small, thick leaves and the Okinawan Spinach (Gynura bicolor/crepioides) has jagged edged thick leaves with purple on the underside great as salad. We love all three types of Spinach because they are PERENNIALS and easy to take care of and some are frost tolerant. They're super healthy and super easy to cook.
Spinach is a fast-growing plant, yielding many leaves in a short time in the mild weather of spring and fall. Spinach is a cool-weather vegetable related to beets and Swiss chard.
Spinach is higher in iron, calcium, and vitamins than most cultivated greens, and one of the best sources of vitamins A, B, and C. It is also a good companion to growing next to radishes, strawberries, and garlic.
We just harvested this red amaranth and here's an idea by Sally Choo to cook it with Sambal Tumis (recipe using Sambal Tumis). Growing up, we love these red amaranth in anchovies soup with fish balls plus salted eggs or stir fry with garlic and slices of red chillies.
What is the difference between Palak and Saag?
Typically in northern India, Saag refers to a combination of spinach and mustard greens, whereas Palak is the Hindi name for spinach. The main difference between the two is that Saag Paneer can be made with any leafy greens or a combination of greens, but Palak Paneer refers to a curry made with spinach leaves only.
Red Amaranth in Sambal Tumis - please follow the Sweet Potato leaves recipe and here's a new recipe with Green Amaranth in Indian curry. The plant species Amaranths (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is best-known in north India as ramdana -- loosely translated as 'the lord's grain' or 'the grain gifted by god'.
Consider growing these plants in your garden for continued greens in your diet. Scroll through the gallery (1) Okinawan (2) Red Malabar (3) Green Malabar (4) Brazilian Spinach and (5) Green Amaranth (Spinach)
Spinach Curry Recipe—Indian style
Ingredients:
*Amaranth Leaves – 500 gms, washed and cut smallish including stem
*2 tbsp Oil – 3
*2 tspn - Mustard Seeds
*2 Onions – Sliced
*A handful of Curry Leaves
*2 tspn - Pepper Powder
*Salt to taste
*1 pack x 25grams - @my.blue.tea Spargo Coconut Milk powder dilute in 2 cups of water
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan over moderate heat.
2. Fry the mustard seeds till they start to splutter.
3. Add the chopped onions, curry leaves, and add diluted meat curry base cook till fragrant
4. Add some water, pepper powder, and salt.
5. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce to low heat.
6. Cook for 5 minutes till the amaranth is tender.
7. Add the coconut milk and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.
8. Remove and serve hot.
Total cost - around <$6.00 ie spinach from the garden and the rests are small in quantity.
We received some more spinach seeds so watch out for our next blog and we will let you know which are good, economical and if they're perennial.
We've got Strawberry Spinach sticks (looks like strawberry and it's edible both leaves and berries), Spinach Southern European, Spinach Egyptian and gift from our New Zealand family ie New Zealand spinach. They need to be sowed from Spring........ so stay tuned and some more yummy recipes.
If you have a recipe to share with us using our products, and wish to share, please tag or email us info@mybluetea.com.au and you shall be featured!!
Come visit us in the Mid North Coast
Not long to go till Slice of Haven, Laurieton on the 28th May 2023. We will have some food and of course, COCONUT SHAKEs now comes with toppings you choose either Red bean, coconut jelly or black boba. Flavours - either the Virgin or Virgin Blue or Pandan Coconut Shake.
Recently, we tested Durian Coconut Shake with our Durian Latte Powder and OMG!! it's so so good. Dare you to try Durian Coconut Shake??
All the flavours you can create at home with our DIY Coconut Shake Homekit, ice blended smoothie or Frappuccino and Coconut Shake Bubble Tea. Now comes in 500grams you can pick up at the Slice of Haven event—mark your diary 28th May or call or email us to pre-order yours.
Trade Enquiries are also welcome. We want to work with:
*Cafes
*Restaurants
*Bubble Tea Shops
*Dessert shops
*Everyone ie new Entrepreneur
*Franchises
References
Tips - Growing Spinach ie Malabar, Brazilian and Okinawan