Longevity Spinach (Gynera)

There is a new vegetable in town, the Longevity Spinach, or Gynura (Gynura procumbens), that promises to keep you healthy no matter what your age. This perennial claims to lower blood pressure, and lower blood sugar in diabetics but not affect normal blood sugar levels in non-diabetics. It has been clinically shown to also lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as having anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. This tasty plant protects against ulcers as well as helping existing lesions heal. It is even said to protect kidney cells from kidney disease. GYNERA PROCUMBENS - Longevity spinach (also called Moluccan spinach, Sambung nyawa, and Daun dewa) is a low-growing, semi-succulent plant that creeps along the ground but can be contained in a pot for a windowsill garden. Since it is a tender plant, it is only hardy in USDA zones 10-11. The young, slightly fuzzy leaves are tender so they can be eaten fresh in salads, added to smoothies, soups, stir-fries, or made into tea. The taste is similar to spinach. When it is cooked, the leaves are slightly viscous, similar to okra, and like okra, it can be used to thicken sauces, stews and soups. You can use this in any recipe calling for spinach. It is tender enough to use instead of lettuce in sandwiches. The crunchy stems can substitute for celery. Hang it outdoors or put it on the patio during the summer, where it might bloom with fragrant daisy-like flowers that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Indoors, give the plants a medium-sized pot filled with rich potting soil that drains well. Put them where they get lots of sunlight, but away from drafts or heating vents. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not soggy. Longevity Spinach will climb if you let it, but it grows just as easily trimmed into a bush shape. We grow and ship in 4" pots.