Tree Spinach

I first grew Tree Spinach (Cenopodium Giganteum) because I was attracted by the description in the Chiltern Seeds catalogue- “a vigorous plant with smooth stems striped red and green producing leaves of a brilliant magenta colour- height 6-8ft”. Definitely a “must-have” plant and it didn’t disappoint. It is dead easy to grow from seed and you will only have to buy one packet in your lifetime as it is the most prolific self-seeder. The plant in the photo is growing in a border fully 50 yards from any of the others and has already reached 7 feet in height.

There is an entry on Tree Spinach in Wikipedia which warns that it contains cyanide and must not be eaten raw, but that it can be eaten without risk if boiled for 20 minutes. But a vegetarian website recommends adding it raw to a salad. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to try eating it raw, but one thing is certain- nothing will persuade me to cook spinach for twenty minutes.