Malabar Spinach – Ceylon Spinach

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
Categories: , ,

Description

(Basella alba)

A quick growing vine with soft green stems and large green leaves. Likes the heat and tropics.

Flavours/Food Partners

Young leaves have a sweet earthy taste. Mature leaves have a stronger spinach flavor. A palatable choice for children as it is less peppery than other spinach. A summer alternative when traditional spinach is out of season. Partners well with garlic, chives, dill, spring onions and chillies.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

High nutritional value and rich in antioxidants. Great source of iron, calcium and vitamins A, B and C. Young leaves are tasty in salads and sandwiches. Large leaves can be lightly steamed for stir fries, added to soups and casseroles. The juicy purple berries can be used to colour sweets, drinks and jellies. In Sri Lanka it is a commonly used herbal medicine for insomnia. The high water content helps to aid in cooling the body. Leaves used as a forehead poultice to help soothe head aches.

Landscaping/Planting

Warm, sunny, sheltered position in well drained soil, rich in organic matter. Will climb readily if given support.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Requires regular harvesting to keep under control. Prune flowers and berries as they appear. Regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed will keep the plant healthy and producing well.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, FROST TENDER
Height UP TO 3M
Width 1-1.5M

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