Water Spinach

Water Spinach (Kangkong) is native to tropical Africa, India and Southeast Asia. It is a perennial plant that can only be grown as an annual in our Dutch climate. It is not necessary to grow this plant in water, as long as the plant is kept well wet it can be grown outside in a sunny, sheltered place. Water Spinach is also known as Kankong, Kancon, Kangkoeng, Kankoeng, Tong Chuai, Ong Choi, En Tsai, Yangze, Ong Choy and Waterweed. The leaves of Water Spinach are green, long and flat and its stems are hollow. Its flavour is a cross between the taste of spinach and endive. Water Spinach is widely used in Asian and Surinamese cuisine.