SPINACH 'Malabar Red-stem' --Basella alba--

One of the rare summer greens that tolerates our local heat and stays tender through the dog days! Unlike true spinach, which bolts in temperatures above 75°F, Malabar spinach flourishes in 90°F-plus heat, producing glossy, heart-shaped leaves all summer. Lettuce, too, struggles in the Texas sun, turning bitter or bolting, while Malabar’s mild, peppery flavor stays fresh raw or cooked. Low maintenance and packed with vitamins A, C, iron, and antioxidants. Vining leafy vegetable that can reach up to 14 feet, climbing or creeping. All parts of the plant are edible, though very old stems and leaves will be tough. This is a succulent green, which some may find slimy when raw. Slimy quality is mitigated by cooking, and our staff finds the fresh leaves a great snack while working! Its succulent leaves resist pests and diseases better than delicate lettuce, making it a resilient choice. 60 days.