This is one of the cheeras (spinach in Malayalam) I remember growing abundantly where I was brought up. Whenever we had enough to make some delicious curries, we’d trim it so it could grow back stronger. I’ve always loved its pretty pink blossoms—they’re such a sweet sight! I also loved popping the seeds. They crack with such a satisfying feeling, and those tiny little seeds are so delicate—like tiny treasures in my hands!

Botanical Name: Talinum fruticosum    Family: Portulacaceae (Purslane family)
Synonyms: Talinum triangulare, Portulaca triangularis, Portulaca fruticosa
Common name from flowersofindia.net: Ceylon Spinach, Waterleaf, Surinam purslane, Philippine spinach, Florida spinach, potherb fameflower • Kannada: ಗಿಡಬಸಳೆ Gida basale • Tamil: ஸாம்பார் கீரை Sambar keerai

From my notes: Sambar cheera(സാമ്പാർ ചീര), Kolumbi cheera(കൊളുമ്പിചീര) in Malayalam, Pirali pelang in Assamese

Etymology:
Talinum: The genus name Talinum is derived from the Latin word talis, meaning “such” or “like,” referring to the plant’s resemblance to other species in the Portulacaceae family. The name is likely associated with the plant’s form or its similarity to other plants in the same family.
triangulare: The species name triangulare comes from the Latin word triangulum, meaning “triangle,” referring to the triangular shape of the plant’s leaves.

Talinum triangulare, commonly known as waterleaf or Cuban spinach, is a perennial herb native to tropical regions of the Americas but is now found widely in other parts of the world, including Africa and Asia. It is often used in traditional medicine and as a leafy vegetable in various cuisines .It is one of the easiest greens to grow in our households and can be propagated through seeds and cuttings as well.

As the name says Sambar cheera, we add the leaves mainly in Sambar due to its slimy nature. My neighbor used the leaves as a replacement for ladies finger or when the sambar turns too watery.

Many studies have showed that Surinam purslane is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and protein.  

You might have heard about Ginseng but do you know Java Ginseng?

Java Ginseng

While Korean Ginseng is the most expensive ginseng in Asia, this Java Ginseng is the alternate to it . Java Ginseng is nothing nut the roots of Talinum! They are medicinal also rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

It is believed to be beneficial to the female reproductive system by inducing lactation and restoring uterine functions after the postpartum period. There are, however, no scientific data on verifying the effects on the uterus to support its therapeutic relevance. In ancient folk medicine, particularly in the treatment of type‐2 diabetes, inflammatory skin problems, gastrointestinal disturbance, general body weakness, and reproductive disorders is Ginseng Java (Source)

Recipes

• Salad
• Pulav
• Nela Basale Ambata
• Nela basale curry
• Nela basale palya
• Nela basale sambar
• Juice
• Thoran
• Nela basale curry
• Soup(non veg)
• Nigerian soup
• Saag
• Philippine Salad
• Nela basale Sambar
• Curry, Soup, Stir-fry, Daal, Paratha, Salad, Quiche, Pasta, Frittata, Stuffed Chicken
• Dal with taro and Ceylon Spinach
• Assamese Fish curry with Ceylon Spinach
• Floral idli
• Dal recipe
• Salad dressing – one of my fav recipes

Note:- Since the raw leaves contains oxalic acid, please limit the intake of raw leaves. And make sure the leaves are well-cooked if you are following any of the recipes.

A.