Malabar Spinach

Malabar Spinach commonly called Poi callaloo or Poi bhaji is native to Southern India and is grown widely in the tropics.

20130630Garden (Peggy Chin)Similar to spinach, Poi callaloo is very easy to grow. You can set the seeds directly into the beds or you can set them in a container. Whichever way you choose, cover seeds with quarter inch soil and keep moist daily. Seeds will germinate within five to seven days. When plants are approximately 2 inches tall, transplant into garden beds or drums. You may need to shade your seedlings if you’re planting Poi now given the hot and dry weather.

There are 2 varieties of Poi: one is the green stem with dark green leaves and the other is the red stem which is a runner. Both are used in similar ways to prepare Caribbean dishes. Have you ever tried adding Poi callaloo into your roti dough or Pholourie mix?

You should try it and taste the difference!

I have grown mostly the green stem Poi with dark green fleshy leaves, sometimes, as large as a