General Information
The leaves of Indian, or Malabar, spinach 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. The leaves are thicker than spinach and have a mild taste of citrus and pepper. Younger leaves are tender in texture and flavor.
History
The tropical leafy vine is a perennial in the tropics and is grown as an annual in cooler climates. It is extremely frost-sensitive. Native to Asia and Africa, it thrives in the heat and tends to grow best in temperatures over 90°F. In its dormant state during cooler temperatures it will still grow, but much slower. Malabar spinach is grown in Australia and in the Continental US as an annual; however, in Puerto Rico and Hawaii it grows as a perennial.
