Brazil Spinach plant, Poor Man’s Spinach, Samba Lettuce, Sissoo Spinach, Alternanthera sissoo

Brazil Spinach (Alternanthera sissoo)

Also known as Poor Man’s Spinach, Samba Lettuce, or Sissoo Spinach, this hardy perennial green is a must-have for every edible garden. Plant it once and enjoy nutritious harvests year after year.

What Does Brazil Spinach Taste Like?

Brazil Spinach has crisp, crinkled green leaves that stay fresh-looking even in hot weather. Unlike some leafy greens, it has no slimy texture. The flavour is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for salads, stir-fries, quiches, and soups.

Is Brazil Spinach Safe to Eat?

Like many leafy greens, Brazil Spinach contains oxalic acid, a natural compound that can interfere with calcium absorption in large amounts. The good news: oxalic acid is significantly reduced by cooking. Light steaming, stir-frying, or blanching makes Brazil Spinach both safe and delicious to eat daily. In moderation, it can also be eaten raw in salads.

Growing Brazil Spinach in the Garden

This is a very tidy-looking perennial spinach that forms neat clumps rather than sprawling. With its vibrant crinkled leaves, it doubles as an ornamental border plant for garden beds. It is shade-tolerant, thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates, and will grow as far south as Sydney in a sheltered spot.

Soil, Water, and Climate

• Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil but is adaptable.
• Water: Regular watering keeps it lush, but it tolerates short dry spells.
• Climate: Best suited to tropical and subtropical regions, but can grow in warm temperate areas.

Why Choose Brazil Spinach?

• 🌱 Perennial green: Plant once, harvest forever.
• 🥗 Versatile in the kitchen: Salads, stir-fries, soups, and more.
• 🛡️ Non-weedy: Does not set viable seed, so it stays where you plant it.
• 🌿 Attractive border plant: Neat, tidy, and decorative.