Water Spinach

Ipomoea aquatica — Convolvulaceae

Italiano: Spinacio acquatico — Kangkung

Description

Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and is native to Asia. It thrives in Waterways, Paddy fields, Aquatic environments across regions including Southeast Asia, India, China, Tropics. Botanically, Water Spinach is fast growing aquatic vegetable. Stir-fried staple Southeast Asia. Hollow stems crunchy.. It is also known locally as Kangkung. The edible parts include Leaves, Stems. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, December, July, June, March, May, November, October and September. Nutritionally, Water Spinach stands out for its Vitamin K (102.0mg, 85% DV), Vitamin C (35.0mg, 39% DV) and Vitamin A (214.0mg, 24% DV). It also provides 2.4g protein and 2.5g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Water Spinach offers a Crunchy mild flavor profile. Stir-fried soup raw. Common culinary applications include stir-fried, soup, raw. Popular preparations include Water spinach stir-fry, Water spinach soup, Sauteed greens with garlic, Wild green pesto. For storage, fresh 2d. Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is no antinutrients. Safe lookalike species include Spinach watercress. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Waterways, Paddy fields, Aquatic across Southeast Asia, India, China, Tropics.

🍳 Recipe: Water spinach stir-fry

Preparation method: Stir-fried soup raw
Flavor profile: Crunchy mild
Edible parts: Leaves, Stems

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Lookalike (safe): Spinach watercress
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): No poisonous aquatic
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

8/10
Toxicity: No toxicity
Antinutrients: No antinutrients
Safe lookalikes: Spinach watercress
Dangerous: No poisonous aquatic

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: foglie, steli
Preparation: Stir-fried soup raw
Flavor: Crunchy mild

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.4g
Fat: 1.6g
Fiber: 2.5g
Vitamin C: 35.0mg (38%DV)
Vitamin A: 214mcg (23%DV)
Vitamin E: 0.5mg (3%DV)
Vitamin K: 102mcg (85%DV)
Folate (B9): 6mcg (1%DV)
Calcium: 77.0mg (5%DV)
Iron: 1.5mg (8%DV)
Magnesium: 70mg (16%DV)
Potassium: 312mg (6%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: stir-fried, soup, raw Storage: Fresh 2d

Recipes

  • Water spinach stir-fry
  • Water spinach soup
  • Sauteed greens with garlic
  • Wild green pesto
  • Leafy green soup
  • Stir-fried Water Spinach
  • Water Spinach tempura
  • Water Spinach and tofu soup

Where It Grows

Continent: Asia
Regions: Southeast Asia, India, China, Tropics
Habitat: Waterways, Paddy fields, Aquatic
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Related Plants

🌿 Amaranth🌿 Angelica Tree🌿 Autumn Olive

Sources & References

Kew Plants of the World USDA PLANTS Wikipedia (EN)