What is Magenta Spreen?

Apr 7
2 min read

We have introduced a new seedling to the Shed menu the last couple of years, and many people ask; " What is Magenta Spreen?" So we thought it would be good to give a litte insight into this awesome little plant.

Leaves are a sharper version of traditional store-bought spinach.

Magenta Spreen (Chenopodium giganteum), is often called Tree Spinach is a highly nutritious, fast-growing, and visually striking annual leafy green, frequently used in salads and as a substitute for spinach. It is characterized by its vibrant magenta-colored new growth, which often appears covered in a fine, magenta powder, which is high in protein!! Fairy dust magic. You want protein powder? This is your go-to!

Key Properties of Magenta Spreen:

Nutritional Content: Considered a "superfood," it is exceptionally high in protein (that fairy dust), even more than kale, and also contains calcium, iron, and potassium as well as significant levels of Vitamins A, C, and E.
Edibility & Taste: Small leaves and young shoots are edible raw in salads or larger leaves cooked like spinach (steamed, stir-fried, or in soups). They have a mild, earthy taste. The magenta color sadly boils out when cooked. Sooo disappointing! Just like purple pod beans. I never got over that disappointment.
Appearance & Growth: It is a vigorous, upright plant that can reach 1.5 to 2.5 meters in height. The leaves are diamond-shaped.

Cultivation: It is an easy-to-grow, self-seeding annual that thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. Once you have planted this, you will always have it. A blessing! Free, nutritious food! Like spinach, it contains oxalic acid, so it is best to rotate with other greens rather than consume daily, especially for those with kidney stones or gout.

Why wouldn't you want to grow this? Next time you see some at the Shed, grab some! And if you, like me, already grow it and know that come Spring you will have Magenta Spreen seedlings coming up like hairs on a dog's back, prick them out and pot thme up for some other lucky growers. Let them also discover this super-amazing superfood!