Known as kangkong in South-East Asia, sold as “Ong Choy” or “On Choy” in West Coast North American Chinese markets.
SEED STORIES | Chinese Multicolor Spinach: A Spinach In Name Only
FAQ
What is spinach called in China?
What is spinach in Chinese Cantonese?
Is Chinese spinach the same as normal spinach?
What is spinach in Hanyu pinyin?
What is Chinese spinach called?
Also known as red spinach, Amaranthus dubius is a leafy vegetable that can be used and has a similar spinach taste. Despite its name, Chinese or Asian spinach is native to Mexico and South America, although it is widely used in Asian cooking. You will also find it under names such as yin choy, hon-toi-moi, yin tsoi or hsien tsai.
Where does spinach come from?
Spinach is a is a leafy green flowering plant originated in Persia. The vegetable has many health benefits provided by its antioxidant substances, vitamins such as folate, magnesium and vitamin A, as well as fiber, which help to reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases. Spinach is also a source of other substances beneficial to the body, such as lutein, which can help reducing the incidence of macular degeneration, one of the main causes of blindness in the elderly.
What is water spinach called in Chinese?
It is also known as water spinach, river spinach, water morning glory, water convolvulus, or by the more ambiguous names Chinese spinach, Chinese watercress, Chinese convolvulus or swamp cabbage. It is known as kōngxīncài ( 空心菜) in Mandarin, ong choy ( 蕹菜) in Cantonese and in Hawaii, and tung choi ( 通菜) in modern Cantonese.
What are the different types of Chinese spinach?
You will also find it under names such as yin choy, hon-toi-moi, yin tsoi or hsien tsai. There are two primary Chinese spinach varieties: one with plain, green leaves and one with pink or purple highlights along the leaf veins. The ‘variegated’ varieties have a more intense flavor, with a noticeable sweetness than regular spinach.