Chaya- The High Protein Greens You've Never Heard Of
03/14/15 • 17 min
Chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa) commonly called Tree Spinach is a very nutritious plant with high protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins. Reaching 3 meters (10 feet high), Chaya has maple-shaped leaves that are delicious steamed or cooked. Chaya is resistant to disease and pests, is highly productive, and needs little inputs to thrive in both arid and rainy areas. A fast-growing perennial shrub, Chaya is easily propagated by stem cuttings.
To learn about Chaya, I spoke with Dr. Anabel Ford, director of the MesoAmerican Research Center. To hear Dr. Ford and some of the Mayan Forest Gardeners in a 2008 interview on Sustainable World Radio, click here.
Note: Chaya contains hydrocyanic glycosides, some people recommend cooking it before eating it.
Chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa) commonly called Tree Spinach is a very nutritious plant with high protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins. Reaching 3 meters (10 feet high), Chaya has maple-shaped leaves that are delicious steamed or cooked. Chaya is resistant to disease and pests, is highly productive, and needs little inputs to thrive in both arid and rainy areas. A fast-growing perennial shrub, Chaya is easily propagated by stem cuttings.
To learn about Chaya, I spoke with Dr. Anabel Ford, director of the MesoAmerican Research Center. To hear Dr. Ford and some of the Mayan Forest Gardeners in a 2008 interview on Sustainable World Radio, click here.
Note: Chaya contains hydrocyanic glycosides, some people recommend cooking it before eating it.
Previous Episode
Moringa- The Miracle Tree
Moringa is called the Miracle Tree and after listening to this episode, you'll know why! Native to Africa and Asia, Moringa offers a plethora of benefits. Fast and easy to grow in the right climate (tropical and sub-tropical), Moringa is loaded with nutrients. Many parts of the Moringa are edible and/or medicinal, including the leaves, oil, bark and gum.
To learn about this marvelous tree, I spoke with plant expert and Permaculture designer Julious Piti. Based in Zimbabwe, Julious is the founder of PORET, an organization that supports farmers in dryland areas and works to address hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
Click Here to listen to a longer interview about the Real Green Revolution in Africa with the inspiring Julious Piti.
For those listeners who don't live in a sub-tropical or tropical climate, I'm growing two healthy Moringa trees in a Mediterranean climate. I've heard of people in colder areas who grow Moringa outside in warmer months and in green houses when it's cool.
Next Episode
Thistles- The Prickly Plant With An Important Job
Episode 13: Ecological Designer and Permaculture Instructor Larry Santoyo talks about thistles. More interesting than you might think, thistles play an important role in soil restoration.
Larry tells us about the intrinsic characteristics of thistles, why the Earth calls them in, and what effect they have on the landscape.
After listening you may gain a new appreciation for this prickly, unpopular plant!
To learn more about Larry Santoyo visit his website at: The Permaculture Academy.com
To read an interview with him click here. To listen to an interview, click here.
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