Okinawa Spinach

A dense, low growing plant to 70 cm high. Easily the most low maintenance perennial leaf vegetable; it is a hardy plant and relatively pest-free. Thrives in warm, wet conditions and frost sensitive, it is best suited to subtropical and tropical areas. An attractive plant with shiny leaves that are green on top and purple underneath; the flowers are very small and orange. It grows best in full sun to partial shade. It needs ample water, rich, fertile well-drained soil that is kept mulched.It is a very nutritious vegetable, eaten raw or cooked, the young leaves are the tastiest. Steam the leaves and young shoos, great in stir fry, stews, and soups. It can also be steamed with rice if it is added for the last 7 minutes of cooking time.