Can Malabar Spinach Seeds Be Eaten? A Detailed Guide to Price per Jin and Germination Time

Malabar spinach, also known as Ceylon spinach, tofu vegetable, vine vegetable, etc., is a common vegetable of the Asteraceae family in tropical regions. It is widely used as a medicinal plant because it has certain therapeutic effects on constipation, skin inflammation, dysentery, etc. At the same time, its crisp texture makes it a favorite for stir-frying. So can Malabar spinach seeds be eaten? How much does it generally cost per jin? How do you grow it? How long until it germinates?

Can the seeds be eaten?

Its seeds can be eaten, and they are highly nutritious. Every 1 kilogram of the edible portion contains 17 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 2.05 grams of calcium, 290 milligrams of phosphorus, 22 milligrams of iron, and also contains 45.5 milligrams of carotene, 10 milligrams of niacin, and 1.02 grams of vitamin C.

Latest seed prices:

Malabar spinach seeds generally cost around 70 per jin, though prices vary by region, and there are several varieties of Malabar spinach, with different varieties having different prices.

Sowing techniques:

1. Land preparation and fertilization: Before sowing Malabar spinach, first prepare the land and apply fertilizer. Apply about 5000 kilograms of decomposed high-quality coarse manure per mu, spread it evenly, then plow and make beds 1-1.2 m wide. When sowing in spring, to increase soil temperature, you can also cover with plastic film one week before sowing to warm the ground. Sow only when the soil temperature is stable above 15°C.

2. Seed soaking and sprouting: Malabar spinach has a thick, hard seed coat, so seeds should be soaked and sprouted before sowing. Soak the seeds in 50°C water with stirring for 30 minutes, then soak in 28-30°C warm water for 4-6 hours. After rubbing clean, keep them moist at 30°C to sprout. When the seeds show white tips, they are ready to sow.

3. Sowing methods: For drilling, first open furrows in the bed, 2-3 cm deep, 10-15 cm wide, with 20 cm between furrows, and sow in the furrows. After sowing, rake the bed level, press lightly, then water along the bed until the water can moisten the bed surface. For broadcasting, first water the bed thoroughly, and after the water seeps down, spread 0.5 cm of fine soil, then sow, and after sowing cover with 1.5-2 cm of fine soil, then cover with plastic film to keep warm and moist. Generally, seedlings emerge after 3-5 days.

Sprouting techniques:

Malabar spinach has a hard seed coat and is difficult to germinate, so it must be sprouted before sowing. First soak the seeds in 35 warm water for 1-2 days, then remove them and keep them at 25-30 for sprouting. After about 4 days, when the seeds “show white”, they can be sown.