Waterleaf is known by many names, Ceylon spinach, Florida spinach, Surinam Purslane, cariru, even the scientific name, if you are updated is being debated on, we have Talinum fruticosum and Talinum triangulare, but regardless of the name, it is a rich vegetable, very nutritious.
Like I had said some time ago, when I started my waterleaf farming, we grow it in very large quantity, because it is more like an every family vegetable here in our region. When it gets matured, it will bring out some pink flowers. Waterleaf are rich and are very excellent sources of iron, zinc, and molybdenum.
The Harvest:
This season that we do have heavy down pour of rain, the harvest is done once in two weeks but in the last few days, we have not had the rain as usual, so it will slow down the growth of out waterleaf.
You can see on the pictures, we use sharp knife to harvest the waterleaf some people do make use of other sharp object but i do prefer this one, because it is fast and easy.
I love this two ladies that work for me, it will amaze you with the speed they will cut the waterleaf, the waterleaf will be packed in ventilated bags for easy acces of air, so that the leafs will not spoil.
the waterleaf is being cut into the basin and then transferred into the bags, like i said the water leaf is harvested in large quantities, we also do have buyers come down to the farm to buy from us, so we don't have the challenge of going to the market after harvest.
…………………Health Benefits………………………..
The nutritional content of waterleaf is is what I want to bring to your knowledge, waterleaf is high in oxalate. Oxalate for the sake of explanation is a natural chemical normally found in foods like spinach, rhubarb, beets, sweet potatoes, and waterleaf and is capable of contributing to kidney stone for someone with kidney disorder but the oxalate can be mitigated by cooking, cooking can also remove lectins though not harmful ordinarily but can interfere with the body’s ability to some micronutrients.
Amongst many health benefits waterleaf is a rich source of calcium and phosphorus, the both of them very essential for a healthy and wellness of our bones. Taking calcium without phosphorus give very little strength to the bones but the two of them work effectively together, I will recommend it for women above 60 suffering from osteoporosis
Upholding a sufficient level of Vitamin A, is very ideal for the health of our eyes, doing this can help reduce the progression of retinal disease, the risk of cataract and can help in the improvement of low-light vision
Waterleaf is a rich source of vitamin C, and contains about 31mg for every 100grams of it vegetable water, it reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and also help to slow some age related cognitive declines
My main concern also is for people who consumes too much of the waterleaf stems, it can be unhealthy especially with individuals that has kidney disease, I will advise that those individuals should stop consuming raw waterleaf but should eat it cooked, when it is cooked, it is a healthy food with low calories as well as sugar, it is recommendable to eat it daily.
Thanks so much for always having my back, do well to always stop by, i don't take your support for granted, also thanks for encouraging me to pursue my passion, You can grow waterleaf right were you find yourself and enjoy the amazing benefits. thanks @emylight. see you again in my next post, stay safe
