New Zealand spinach is a summer vegetable that’s also used as edible landscaping for borders and beds because of its attractive appearance.

It was first grown and consumed by the Maori in New Zealand, but popularized by Captain Cook who used the nutritious vegetable on his journeys to fight scurvy.  It’s native to New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Japan, and flourishes in sunny California in summer months. New Zealand spinach is also known as everbearing spinach, everlasting spinach, perpetual spinach, Cook’s cabbage, and tetragon.

Its leaves taste similar to lettuce and they can be used like spinach in salads, omelettes, soups, and sautes. This low fat vegetable is rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. Look for this beautiful and nutritious vegetable at your local farmers market!