#basella

I originally ordered Malabar spinach seeds (Basella alba var rubra, 49 days) because I wanted some edible greens but it turns out they’re very pretty and good as ornamentals as well! They look like Pileas and Peperomias except edible and not related to either!

The Malabar spinach (Basella alba rubra, 100 days) is doing well for itself! It’s absolutely massive to the point where keeping it in my space space is difficult at times because it keeps trying to climb the other plants or on the light fixture.

I also learned that they’re super easy to graft together! Though this might not actually be useful because it seems not only that they’re self pollinating, but also that the flowers don’t open at all and just go straight to being berries? Unless I’m mistaken and those are still maturing flower buds. But if I’m right it means I can’t actually cross pollinate/selectively breed them and I can only change them through chance gamete mutations or genetic modification.

For those who asked, they basically taste like a milder less gritty spinach! They’re more mucilaginous like okra fruit are so they’re more for cooked meals and not raw salads unless you don’t mind the slime. The stems and inflorescences taste like bean sprouts!

Malabar spinach! (Basella alba var. rubra, 41 days)

Sweet Potato and Greens

You Need: Sweet Potatoes Turmeric, Red Chilly Powder, Coriander Powder as per taste. Any greens like Spinach, Amaranth or Malabar Spinach. Used Malabar Spinach also popularly called as Basella Alba. Some cumin, fenugreek and coriander seeds. Grated coconut and chilly flakes. Chop the sweet potatoes into small pieces. Heat some oil. Fry the turmeric powder and red chilly powder in it for less than…