Are Malabar Spinach Berries Edible? There are so many amazing ingredients that are still not as known to us as they should be. Among such ingredients, Malabar spinach berries probably top the list. These are undoubtedly among the most underestimated yet among the most nutritious berries you should include in your diet.
Want to know more about this superfood? We have all the information you need!
See also: Foods That Start with M and The Health Benefits of Maqui Berries.
What are Malabar Spinach Berries?
Before we discuss Malabar spinach berries, we need to talk a little bit about its source, i.e., the plant. Malabar spinach is also known as Basella alba, vine spinach, and Ceylon spinach. It is an edible perennial vine with heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and prefers warm, humid conditions. The vines can grow up to 20 feet in length and produce small, white flowers.
Most people focus on the leaves, i.e., spinach, but berries hold a position in the culinary world as well. Malabar spinach berries are edible fruit that grows on a woody vine. The berries are about the size of a grape and have thin, edible skin. The flesh of the berry is green and has a slightly sour taste. Malabar spinach berries can be eaten fresh or cooked. When cooked, the berries turn a deep purple color.
Can you eat Malabar Spinach Berries?
The question of whether you can eat Malabar spinach berries or not is of a million dollars. You might have always been aware of the many benefits and uses of Malabar spinach, but Malabar spinach berries are edible as well. However, there are a few rules you have to follow. These are:
- Before eating Malabar Spinach berries, wait to ensure that they are ripe and ready to eat. If you consume them before they are ready, you may get a slight stomachache, but they will not hurt you otherwise. Also, if you try to eat them before they are ripe, they will not taste good, and you will not obtain the health benefits from the berries.
- Ripe berries have a beautiful, dark, reddish-purple color. You can eat them whole from the plant or cook them into a pie or jelly, so don’t hesitate to give them a try when you’re planning on making something different.
- You just have to remember that eating too much won’t be a good thing for you. If you eat too many in one sitting, it might give you a stomachache.
What is Malabar Spinach Berries’ flavor?
The Malabar Spinach berries have a flavor that resembles that of the leaves themselves. The ripe berries are generally filled with juice, faintly reminiscent of lemon, with a dash of pepperiness that hits you as an after-taste. The subtle lemony and citrusy taste makes them enjoyable.
Different ways of eating Malabar Spinach Berries
Ø Use them as a salad green
Malabar spinach is an underutilized green that is perfect for salads. The berries, however, are small and delicate, with a slightly sweet and lemony flavor that pairs well with other salad ingredients. The flavor pops in your mouth and thus is a great addition to any salad.
Ø Add them to smoothies or juices.
If you don’t want to eat Malabar spinach berries in your meals, you can easily add them to your smoothies or juices. Just toss a handful into your blender along with the rest of your ingredients and blend away! The berries will add a slight bitterness to the drink, but it’s a delicious way to enjoy this superfood.
Ø Use them in wraps/ burritos/taco
Now You might find it a very unconventional way to enjoy these berries, but if you are a bit of a daredevil, you won’t mind adding Malabar spinach berries to a wrap. This new way of using the fruit is sure to be a hit with health-conscious individuals as it is a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional wraps. If you are looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional wraps, give Malabar spinach berries a try!
Ø Stir fry them with other veggies
Stir-frying Malabar spinach berry with other veggies is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this superfood. This dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.
Ø Add them to soups or stews
Malabar spinach berries are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. When cooked, they have a unique flavor that pairs well with other vegetables. You can also use them in soups or stews. Whatever way you choose to prepare them, their berries are a delicious and nutritious way to add more ingredients to your diet.
Health Benefits of Malabar Spinach Berries
The health benefits of Malabar spinach berries are many and varied. From helping to improve cardiovascular health to aiding in weight loss to providing a boost to the immune system, these berries are truly a superfood. So make sure to add them to your diet today and enjoy all the benefits they have to offer! Let’s discuss some of its benefits
Ø Sugar Control
Recent studies have shown that both Malabar spinach leaves and berries can help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. The berries are rich in soluble fiber, which has been shown to slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after meals, making it an ideal food for diabetics or anyone who wants to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Ø Improves Digestion
The berries of the Malabar spinach plant are particularly rich in fiber, and they also contain a variety of other nutrients that can help improve digestion. Plus, they are also low in calories.
Moreover, berries are a good source of vitamin C, which is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid helps break down food so that it can be properly absorbed by the body. In addition, berries contain compounds that can help promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. These bacteria are important for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Ø Help in weight reduction
The berries of the Malabar spinach plant can also be beneficial for weight loss. The berries contain a compound known as garcinol, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of fat cells. Garcinol is also thought to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.
Ø Cancer Prevention
The berries of the Malabar spinach plant contain high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals. These compounds are believed to be responsible for the cancer-preventive properties of the berries. The antioxidants present in the berries help to scavenge free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can damage cells and lead to cancer. The phytochemicals present in the berries also have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
Ø Blood Pressure Regulation
These berries help in regulating blood pressure; however, the mechanism by which the berries lower blood pressure is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to their high potassium content. Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure by countering the effects of sodium. This effect has been confirmed in humans, with one study showing that people who ate a diet rich in potassium had lower blood pressure than those who did not.
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- Kiwi Berries
- How to Freeze Strawberries
- Malabar Spinach
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