Chenopodium capitatum STRAWBERRY SPINACH (plant)

Strawberry spinach, blite gossefoot also known as Chenopodium capitatum in Latin, is a small annual plant from the Amaranthaceae family. It produces numerous small red berries that appear along its stems. Native to Asia, this fruit-vegetable grows in clumps reaching 30 to 60 cm in height.

The leaves of Chenopodium capitatum are small to medium-sized, measuring 10 cm in length, oval or elliptical, with a smooth or slightly wavy surface. Their color ranges from light to dark green, sometimes with a reddish or purple tint, particularly near the base or on certain veins. They are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant.

Its flowers are tiny, grouped in dense head-like inflorescences. They are green to yellowish in color, sometimes with pinkish or purple nuances. Flowering occurs in summer.

Its fruits are small round capsules, measuring a few millimeters in diameter. As they ripen, they turn a bright red color, giving them an attractive appearance.

Strawberry spinach seeds are very small, measuring barely 1 millimeter in diameter, perfectly round, and black in color.

- Uses:

Taste Experience: Between Hazelnut and Beetroot

Chenopodium capitatum is a unique pot herb offering a double harvest almost year-round. Its leaves, with a subtle hazelnut flavor, can be cooked like spinach or enjoyed raw. Its tangy red berries, resembling strawberries, offer a surprising taste close to beetroot, bringing an aesthetic and juicy touch to your sweet or savory salads.

Rich in Antioxidants and Sustainable Harvest

Appreciated for its continuous growth, this plant allows for fresh harvesting according to your needs. Beyond its culinary qualities, the plant is recognized in traditional medicine for its antioxidant properties. It has been historically used to help strengthen the immune system, ranking among the forgotten superfoods of the natural pharmacopoeia.

Therapeutic Use and Safety

While Chenopodium capitatum healthily enriches your diet, its use for curative purposes remains delicate. To ensure your health safety, never consume this plant for its medicinal virtues without prior advice from a healthcare professional. A medical consultation is essential to avoid any risk of interaction or contraindication.

- Cultivation and Planting:

• Plant the strawberry spinach promptly in a 3-liter pot with good quality horticultural potting soil.
• Drain the bottom of the pot with small pebbles.
• Water at the base during planting.
• Place the plant in partial shade for a few days to acclimate it to its new environment.
• It can also be planted directly in the ground in the garden.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

It grows very well in rich, well-drained, and slightly sandy soils. It also adapts to fertile soils rich in organic matter. Well-drained soil prevents water accumulation that could promote root rot.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

This plant prefers full-sun locations to promote optimal growth. It can tolerate light shade, but it develops best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

- Hardiness / Temperatures:

Chenopodium capitatum prefers moderate temperatures, between 15°C and 25°C. It is sensitive to frost, so it is advisable to cultivate it starting in spring.

- Water Requirements / Watering:

Watering should be regular but moderate, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid excess water. During hot periods, increase the watering frequency to keep the soil cool.

- Reproduction / Propagation:

It is mainly propagated by seeds. Dividing the clumps can also be considered.

- Diseases / Pests:

Its main pests are aphids and whiteflies, which can affect the plant by sucking its sap. It can also be prone to powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions with poor ventilation.