A Review on a New Exotic Vegetable for Turkey: Malabar Spinach (Basella alba L. or Basella rubra L.)

Abstract

Malabar spinach is a vegetable that can be identified as an unknown or exotic vegetable in Turkey, and it can be consumed like the true spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.). In the world, the economic value is particularly high in tropical Asia and tropical Africa countries where the leaves, shoots, flowers and even seeds are consumed. Many studies have proven that Basella alba L. or Basella rubra L. has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antioxidant properties, while vitamin and mineral content is quite high.