Garden orchard is also known as Spanish spinach or Spanish lettuce. For many, the plant is nothing more than a weed, yet the vegetable is not only healthy, but also tasty. It is a close relative of spinach and is full of nutrients.
This is what you should know about the garden orchid
Garden orache is also known as Spanish spinach or Spanish lettuce. For many, the plant is nothing more than a weed, yet the vegetable is not only healthy, but also tasty. The botanical name of the garden orache is Atriplex hortensis. It belongs to the family of the foxtail plants (Amaranthaceae). It is also one of the oldest cultivated plants and is additionally used as a salad and ornamental plant. In 2000, it was chosen as the crop of the year by the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union in Germany. The annual herbaceous plant grows up to 2.5 meters high. The stem is erect and green striped. It is often protruding branched and quadrangular. The aerial parts of the plant have a floured surface and the margin of the leaves is either entire or toothed. Because of its weight, the inflorescence is often overhanging. The seeds of garden orache are either yellow-brown or black, with the black variety germinating only after two years. In our latitude, the orchard orchid blooms between July and September. Garden orchard is pollinated by wind or self-pollination. Some insects also spread the pollen. According to archaeological findings, the orchard orchid was already known to the ancient Greeks. It was cultivated as far as Tibet and Bengal. The wild form is also found in Central Asia. Like chard, the vegetable was brought to Central Europe by the Romans. As a food, garden chard was somewhat displaced by spinach in the 13th century. In the Rhineland in particular, however, it is still used in cooking today. It tastes somewhat more bitter than spinach, but is milder overall. Otherwise, the taste is similar to its relative. Seasonally, the garden orchard can be found in the summer months. It can be harvested starting in May, though it can also be found in greenhouses and is therefore available year-round. Several varieties can be found, with the leaves being either blue-green or reddish in color. On the underside, the leaves are glabrous, while the upper side also has fine hairs.
Importance for health
Similar to spinach, garden orchard also brings some healthy nutrients. The iron content is lower than its relative, though not to be sneezed at either. The garden orchard is especially for the muscles and nerves a blessing, because it has a high magnesium content in it. In addition, there are a number of vitamins that help to meet the daily requirement. The content of vitamin A is higher than in spinach, while the vitamin C content, however, is only half as high. Nevertheless, the garden melder is a welcome and healthy change. In folk medicine, the melde is even used externally. In the form of poultices coated with the pulp of the leaves, garden orache in this form helps against bruises and inflammations. In addition, the leaves and seeds were used as an emetic and laxative. The plant stimulated the metabolism and was also used against nervousness. In folk medicine, garden orache was also used for lung diseases. So, although the vegetable in its wild form grows mainly on walls, rubble and hedges, it is by no means to be despised and certainly offers an alternative for spinach.
Ingredients and nutritional values
The vegetable contains both carbohydrates and proteins. In 100 grams of the leaves are about 3 grams of carbohydrates, as well as 2.3 grams of protein. In addition, the plant has only about 26 calories for the same amount, which makes it particularly suitable for the figure-conscious. The fat content is just 0.3 grams. In 100 grams there are also about 3 grams of fiber. In addition, the orchard almond contains vitamins C and B. It also contains minerals such as potassium. It also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. The ingredients are responsible for the laxative effect of the garden orach. For this reason, it should be enjoyed only in small quantities at best.
Intolerances and allergies
Intolerances or allergies to foods can always occur. However, these rarely occur with various vegetables, of which garden orchard is one. Much more it can come to overreactions of the digestion with excessive consumption.Some people may be sensitive to the vegetable and may experience flatulence or diarrhea. All in all, however, the garden orchid is usually well tolerated. In absolutely exceptional cases, cross-allergies may occur in pollen allergy sufferers.
Shopping and kitchen tips
The garden orchid can be found on weekly markets, for example, under the name “Rhenish garden orchid” and is grown both in the open field and in the greenhouse. In addition, it can be collected in nature by those who know it, as wild forms exist to this day. The shape and color of the leaves is quite characteristic, so confusion is rather rare. However, the vegetable is not suitable for storage. After collection or purchase, it should be consumed as soon as possible. Otherwise, it quickly goes bad. In the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator, however, the garden orchid can be stored for a day or two. The preparation and cooking of the vegetable is similar to that of fresh spinach. The young leaves can also be used raw in salads. It is best to use young plants that are no more than 20 centimeters high. Their leaves are particularly tender and can also be eaten raw.
Preparation tips
Thus, they are also suitable for mixtures with leaf lettuces. Another option is to steam the garden almonds like spinach. It is suitable as a side dish with poultry, eggs, grains or fish. Before serving, it is simply placed in a pot of lightly salted water after washing. After the leaves have collapsed, they are ready. The young shoot tips are also edible and have a number of healthy nutrients. In France, garden orache is eaten with sorrel. The color of the red leaves remains after cooking, although it can be used to color soups. The leaves give dishes a pleasant bitter flavor. Many children prefer garden almonds to spinach, probably due to the lower content of oxalic acid. In addition, garden orchard is used in salads as a leaf decoration. Otherwise, it is suitable in all combinations and variations in which spinach is also used. If the vegetable is too bitter, it can also be blanched. This softens the bitter substances. The seeds can be roasted in the oven or in a pan. They are suitable as a sprinkle seasoning and can also be used in baking. One recipe idea, for example, is to use the garden almonds to make quiche. This requires additional natural yogurt, peppers, vegetable broth, onions and feta cheese.
