Tree spinach (magentaspreen)

Chenopodium giganteum

leaf

Young shoots and leaves cooked like spinach; raw in small amounts.

Origin

India (Himalayas)

Where to find it

In the garden, where it grows two meters tall; seed companies in Europe sell it as “tree spinach”.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

Like other goosefoots, it contains oxalic acid: better cooked. Its oxalates leach into water: boiling it and throwing the water out takes a good share with it.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Vegetable nitratesIn small amounts, not counted ChlorophyllWhat slows things down Oxalates

Did you know?

Its young shoots are dusted with magenta, hence its English name magenta spreen.