There is a newcomer to my garden this year: Egyptian Spinach. Code name; MULUKHIYAH. Forget that canned spinach stuff, Yuck! If Popeye could get a hold of some of this stuff he would defeat Brutus for sure and win the girl; codependent prize that she was. If I get comments asking who Popeye is, I will have to finally admit that I am old and that is sooo not going to happen today! So if you don’t know who Popeye is than google it and leave my image of youth intact!
Seriously, I tried a new seed this year and boy did it pay off. My friend from Africa, who gardens along side of me at the community garden, asked me if she could have some! I realize you have no idea how significant this is, so let me explain. For literally years I have watched this family grow Summer greens. YEARS! They have had the corner market on Summer greens for as long as I have gardened there. For her to lean over and say, ” My, I like the look of that green!” Well now I know I am on to something!
It grows like crazy and has a very mild spinachy taste. I saute it in eggs, add it to soup or just cook it plain with a bit of balsamic vinegar. Tastes great in smoothies! It is not so much a plant as a bush, which could easily be as tall as I am, but I keep trimming it to EAT it! Woo hoo!
For you Newbies to gardening, greens do not grow in the Summer, rather they prefer the coolness of Fall or Spring. So when you find something that you can toss in a salad that laughs at drought, well then you have found something special indeed. Wait for it; kid tested and approved! I have to add the disclaimer here that my kids eat primarily food from the garden. With the exception of my kids with jobs and drivers licenses; they buy cocoa puffs and hide them in their rooms. Don’t think I don’t know this is going on! I see the little ones Jonesing for cocoa puffs and begging you to drive up to the store for milk. That money goes fast doesn’t it, especially when you have a sugar addict begging at your door? So when the kids have exhausted their siblings funds they find the taste of Egyptian Spinach down right agreeable and filling to boot. My husband loves it and that is saying something! Order your seeds and plant Egyptian Spinach next Spring!
I tasted the Egyptian spinach last night at your house. It is wonderful! Tastes really mild and would be great in a salad. I’m glad you are sharing this ‘secret summer spinach’.