Eating greens!
We all know it is good for us. So many nutrients that our bodies need are present. So how do we get enough of the vegetables easily?
With the globalization happening around the world, it is easy to understand why only a few vegetables and fruits have become the major part of our diet.
Ask any kid “which fruit they know” and an apple or orange usually are common answers. “Which vegetable is good for us” and ‘spinach’ is the first answer typically.
This has spread to the point that many of the local varieties are also called ‘spinach’ even though they are not ‘true spinach’ varieties.
We have a wealth of local varieties in every location especially in the tropics. What we at Urban Hijau constantly look for is through following a simple principle.
“Grow what grows” easily… if I may add.
One such gem is the Chaya or also named the “tree spinach”.
Chaya – the easy to grow tropical variety easily grows in Malaysia.
Many people have said much about this plant. It is even used all around the world.
Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) is a fast-growing perennial shrub originally from Mexico produces lots of attractive, large, dark green leaves.
Many locals who come to our farm initially think it looks like Papaya due to similar resemblance but much smaller leaves. They get surprised that the tree does not have any fruits like papaya and is not even a close cousin.
People readily are interested to buy it and try it for themselves and ask how do we eat it. (more on that below)
Chaya on the left with Papaya on the right.
Chaya next to lemongrass sold at our Sunday market
Dr. Martin Price from ECHO has even said he would:
“I would consider chaya to be one of the five most important underutilized food plants ECHO distributes. I give it this rank because of its ability to thrive in both arid and rainy regions, its little need for care or extra fertility, its lack of insect or disease pests, its high production per square foot, and the exceptional nutritional value of its cooked leaves.”
Chaya – How to cook the leaves?
The young leaves and tender stem tips are cut into pieces and boiled OR fried just like ‘spinach’. Just a quick 5-minute boil is enough.
Even though in many cultures people have been known to use Chaya as food without boiling or frying, experts say it is better boil or fry for at least 5 minutes.
This is important since Chaya also has similar irritants like our local Cassava aka Ubi Kayu – root or leaves which are easily removed after boiling.
The leaves do not have a strong distinct taste, but they tend to take on flavors from any seasonings that are added. One of the key things we always share with our customers is that eating Chaya has a much dense feel.
Many people around the world also have several claims for its medicinal uses but it is mostly used for diabetes and kidney problems.
Chaya is eaten regularly in many places, especially in Central America and southern Mexico.
Chaya – Is it really healthy?
Chaya is exceptionally high in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin A. Isnt that enough? Let us just compare this with our competition “THE SPINACH”
TABLE – Comparison of nutritional composition of leaves of chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius McVaughn) and spinach (Spinacia oleraceae L.) per 100 g fresh weight.
From: Kuti, J.O. and E.S. Torres. 1996. Potential nutritional and health benefits of tree spinach. p. 516-520. In: J. Janick (ed.), Progress in new crops. ASHS Press, Arlington, VA.
Still need more info about its health benefits?
“The leaves are very high in protein, calcium, iron, carotene and vitamins A, B and C. The amino acids in chaya are well balanced, which is important for those who have a diet low in protein and for children and pregnant or nursing mothers.”
Chaya – any other great reasons to grow this?
Chaya grows easily!
Very easy. Take a stem. Stick it into the ground. And it just grows.
It also lacks pest problems and does not become weedy.
If it grows too big (It can grow over 8 feet tall) cut it down to around 4 feet and it will grow again with new leaves all around. Alternatively, just cut off a few 2-foot-long stems and replant.
Chaya – Where to get it?
Come by to our Sunday morning farmers market and you will sure be able to find this plant.
NOTE: We are revamping the market at the moment so come after 25th June 2022.
