UTOPIA

SISSOO SPINACH, THE URBAN SALAD

Wednesday , 01 June 2022
By Harith Kamal

SUBANG JAYA - The downside of living in the city is that it is difficult to find healthy and fresh food, so people tend to plant vegetables by themselves.

Urban farming in the city has been on the rise, and a common plant that is always synonym with urban plantation is the Sissoo spinach.

Sissoo spinach, more commonly known as Brazilian Spinach or Bayam Brazil, is a popular leaf vegetable that is a delicacy, especially to the Malay community, which often uses it as part of their ulam (raw vegetable salad) dish.

This plant originated from South America is a tropical-based plant that can be planted under high humidity and does not require much watering, which is perfect for the weather here in Malaysia.

Sissoo spinach is now commonly planted in households, as it is easy to produce and the benefits it possesses.

(Source: Berita DIMENSi/Harith Kamal)

Not just so, Sissoo spinach is easily planted and preserved as it can sustain rough terrains and the environment. It has a fast-paced, growing nature, and the results can be harvested a few weeks after planting.

Because of these conditions, it is understandable why Sissoo spinach has become popular, especially among people who live in cities.

Ruslina Abd Majid, 53, a full-time manager and balancing housewife, stated that she started planting the leaf vegetable as it is easy to preserve and gain easy access to a quick and healthy snack.

“This vegetable grows well in the city, especially here in Subang Jaya, as the weather sometimes can be harsh, yet the plant still blossoms.

“Having the plant planted in our backyard makes it easy for the family to harvest and immediately consume or cook,” she stated when interviewed by Berita DIMENSi at her house in Subang Jaya.

The Sissoo spinach can be cooked in various dishes and methods such as deep-fried, stir-frying, boiled, and more.

(Source: SirapLimau)

As stated by MySihat, Sissoo spinach is also very beneficial and has healthy properties to it as well. There is a lot of nutritional value to this plant, such as containing vitamins like B, C, and E, calcium and potassium, and low content of fats.

Sissoo spinach is popular among people in the urban area as it contains a lot of nutrition.

(Source: cariblogger.com)

Siti Amira, 25, a dietitian who works under NutriFit365, a health and wellness company, stated that Sissoo spinach is helpful to those who have health problems such as kidney stones problem, anemic, and many more.

“To those who have no health complications, there is no problem in consuming a lot of vegetables that have ample vitamins and minerals for the human body to function well.

“However, it is best for those with diseases to consume this plant in a moderate amount as it can further affect their health and is advised to get counseling sessions with a dietitian or advice from doctors,” Amira further stated in an article interview with Berita DIMENSi via WhatsApp.

Other than that, the consumption of vegetables is advisable to the masses as it can help improve the immunity system, maintain eye health, and prevent cancer.

Having a cheap, healthy, and tasty plant that can grow in high heat, laying around the backyard fresh for picking, makes the Sissoo spinach a winner in people’s eyes as their go-to in urban farming.

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