Alugbati

Alugbati (Basella alba L. Family Basellaceae) refers to a leafy green vegetables from the Philippines.Its leaves are prepared in the Philiipines as salad and for other food preparation as nutritive vegetable .
 
Alugbati is called by other names: Alugbati (Bisaya); Alugbati, libato, grana (Tagalog); Ilaibakir (Ilokano); Arogbati (Bicol); Dundula, , Grana, Dundul, Malabor, nightshade, vine spinach and Malabar Spinach  (English)
 
Alugbati is also found in other Asian countries and in Africa.It can be used as a substitute for spinach and lettuce and other leafy vegetable used in the Philiipines, like the swamp cabbage (Kangkong ) and leaves of sweet potato (Talbos ng Kamote) 

Alugbati also spelled Alogbati is one the green leafy vegetables in the Philippines. This leafy vegetable has a distinct feature and easily recognizable, they have violet stalks. Alugbati is Ceylon Spinach, Philippine Spinach or Malabar Nighshade in English

Alugbati plants with green leafy vegetable planted by the school chilren in recycled PET bottles. The hanging vegetable garden in the school yard
Alugbati/Alogbati (Ceylon Spinach/Philippine Spinach/Malabar Nightshade

 

In the food context, Alugbati (also known as Malabar spinach) is a leafy green vegetable that is popular in Filipino cuisine. It has a slightly slimy texture when cooked and is known for its mild flavor. Alugbati is rich in nutrients such as iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Here are some examples of dishes that use alugbati as a primary ingredient:

  1. Alugbati Salad: A refreshing salad made with fresh alugbati leaves, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing.

  2. Alugbati Soup: A hearty soup made with alugbati leaves, chicken broth, and other vegetables.

  3. Alugbati Omelette: A savory omelette made with alugbati leaves and eggs.

  4. Alugbati Lumpia: Filipino spring rolls filled with alugbati leaves and other vegetables.

  5. Alugbati Adobo: A Filipino dish made with alugbati leaves and meat (usually chicken or pork) in a soy sauce and vinegar marinade.

Similar leafy greens to alugbati include:

  1. Spinach: A leafy green vegetable with a mild flavor that can be eaten raw or cooked.

  2. Kale: A leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste that is often used in salads or cooked dishes.

  3. Swiss Chard: A leafy green vegetable with a mild flavor that can be eaten raw or cooked.

  4. Watercress: A peppery-tasting leafy green vegetable that is often used in salads.

  5. Arugula: A leafy green vegetable with a slightly peppery taste that is often used in salads and sandwiches.

  6. Collard Greens: A leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste that is often used in southern cooking.

 

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