Strawberry Spinach (Chenopodium capitatum) A multi-purpose plant dating back well before the 1600's, Strawberry Spinach is an annual heirloom plant that is utilized at the leafy green stage as well as the fruit-bearing stage. Young leaves are ideal when eaten raw in salads and the red fruit that resembles small edible strawberries or mulberries, also becomes a delightfully striking ornamental. Leaves have a mild spinach-like flavour and are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and contain some anti-inflammatory properties. Also known as Beetberry, plants will tolerate heat better than most spinach varieties, however, it is best consumed in the cooler days up to early summer. On an interesting historical note; Indigenous Native American peoples harvested the berries to make a dye which was used to enhance the colour of lips and cheeks, fabrics, and to colour basket fibres and pottery. An easy plant to grow but if you let the plants bolt and go to seed, you will have strawberry spinach in that location for many years so it is best to harvest or terminate the fruit before this stage.
40-45 days to maturity
75 seeds per packet $4.45
Sow the seeds directly outside in spring at 1/8" depth. Strawberry spinach prefers a full sunny location.
** It is important to note that the seeds and leaves contain oxalic acid, an organic compound that may sometimes prevent the absorption of nutrients within the body if excessively consumed. Consumers with oxalate sensitivity should consult a medical professional before consuming Strawberry spinach.
