Small herbaceous plant with small white flowers. Very hardy.
Other Names: South American Crinkle Salad, Poor Man’s Spinach
Origin: South American Highlands
Size: 0.3m high, 0.5m spread
Growing conditions: partial sun to shade
Harvest: any time through the growing season
Propagation: best from soft cuttings in spring
Growing tips: Brazilian Spinach can be planted as a solid border or left to ramble on its many branches to cover an area up to a metre wide. Cuttings can be taken during the wet season and either planted out or placed in a jar with water to encourage root growth prior to planting. Tiny white flowers will form at the end of the season (winter), and the succulent leaves will turn a bit papery and bitter; however, they can still be eaten cooked at this stage.
Use: Brazilian spinach is a prolific source of greens in the garden; it can be used in salads with other greens; it can be used as a spinach substitute – try it in combination with Tahitian spinach and arrowroot leaves to make a spinach and feta pie; the leaves can also be substituted for basil when making pesto.
Availability in shop: All year round.
Suggested Recipes: Brazilian Spinach with Macadamia Nut Pesto; Spinach, Fetta & Ricotta Pie