Horti Tops® Spinach New Zealand

Spinach New Zealand (Tetragonia tetragonoides)

The Heat-Proof Spinach

New Zealand spinach is not true spinach, but it fills the same culinary role when spinach refuses to grow. It thrives in hot, humid weather that would devastate regular spinach. A patch of New Zealand spinach provides cooking greens all summer long.

Important Preparation Note

New Zealand spinach contains oxalates (like regular spinach, but more). Blanching or cooking reduces these significantly. While small amounts raw are probably fine, regular consumption should be cooked. The cooking water should be discarded.

Culinary Uses

Blanched: Blanch quickly in boiling water, drain, then sauté or add to dishes.

In soups: Add to soups and stews.

As a spinach substitute: Use anywhere you would use cooked spinach.

Growing New Zealand Spinach

The seeds have hard coats – soak overnight or scarify before planting. Plants sprawl and spread, covering ground. They tolerate drought once established. Pick shoot tips regularly to encourage branching. Let some plants go to seed for next year’s crop.

Growing Spinach New Zealand