Malabar Spinach

Native to Asia and Africa, Malabar spinach is not technically spinach, nor is it botanically related to spinach, though it can be used as a substitute for spinach in dishes and salads. The leaves of Malabar are dark green, heart-shaped, and have a slightly glossy appearance. When most spinach varieties are turning bitter in the hot summer months, Malabar spinach is thriving, not to mention that it has a mild taste of citrus and pepper. Malabar spinach stores water in its leaves, giving it good levels of mucilage, which in turn is very detoxifying and soothing to the body while digesting and offers healing properties. Spinach is also one of the best sources of dietary magnesium, which is necessary for energy metabolism, maintaining muscle and nerve function, regular heart rhythm and a healthy immune system.