Which is Better Raw: Malabar or New Zealand Spinach?
Asked by Sp3c1alGardener42
Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out which type of spinach is better raw: Malabar Spinach or New Zealand Spinach? Regular spinach doesn't grow well in my area for most of the year, so I'm looking for a heat-tolerant substitute for spinach salads. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with both. Which one do you prefer for taste and texture?
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I definitely lean towards New Zealand Spinach, but it didn't really hold up in my hot climate; it nearly died over the summer! On the other hand, Malabar Spinach thrived. I had much better luck with Perpetual Spinach, though—it tastes great, is container-friendly, and survives both heat and cold like a champ! It thrived even in extreme Texas heat and didn’t flinch at frost. Seriously, it's one of the best additions to my garden!
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I personally found Malabar Spinach to be a bit too mucous-y for my taste. I much prefer New Zealand Spinach. I usually use spinach in cooked dishes, like scrambled eggs or orzo, and for that, I also grow sweet potato slips which give me lots of greens! Sweet potato leaves have a taste similar to spinach, so they help fill the gap during the hot months.
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Sp3c1alGardener42: Thanks for sharing! I'm curious, how does Perpetual Spinach taste when eaten raw?