A leaf vegetable from the plant Sauropus androgynus, also known as Katuk, star gooseberry, or sweet leaf, can be found in several tropical climates. Because of its large yields and pleasant flavour, it is one of the most popular green vegetables in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
There are several benefits to planting Katuk in a home garden. The plant is very nutritious, with almost half of its nourishment coming from protein.
Katuk: Quick facts
| Scientific Name | Sauropus androgynus |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Common Name | Katuk, Sweet Leaf, Sweetleaf Bush, Star Gooseberry, Singapore Cheera(Spinach) |
| Known Hazards | None known |
| Habitats | E. Asia – India, Bangladesh, S. China, Indonesia, Vietnam etc. |
| Season | All year long |
| Height | Four to six feet (1 to 2 m.) tall. |
| Maintenance | Very low |
Sauropus androgynus: Features
Source: Pinterest
Katuk is high in both protein (49%) and fibre (18%). And in terms of potassium and phosphorus, it outdoes both bananas and soybeans. Caution is advised while consuming raw Katuk leaves since excessive daily intake might have negative effects.
- Known by the common name sweet leaf and Katuk, Sauropus androgynus is a tropical shrub reaching around two to three metres in height.
- It has fruit that is purple in colour, has little blooms that are scarlet, and has complex leaves that are dark green and oval in shape.
- It is most often farmed as a leaf vegetable and is found mostly in Southeast Asia.
- The leaves produce a green dye that can be used as a colouring agent for food.
- It is common to prepare and consume the long, sensitive tips of this plant like that of asparagus.
- Katuk is a very healthy perennial green; it has higher concentrations of protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and many other nutrients than spinach.
- The leaves are taken as food, either raw or cooked, and are used medicinally to alleviate coughs and fever. However, the primary usage of the leaves is as food.
How to plant Katuk?
It is not too difficult to cultivate a Katuk shrub given that you reside in a region that is warm and humid or that you have access to a greenhouse that can simulate these circumstances.
If you want to cultivate a Katuk shrub, the ideal place for it is in partial shade, exactly like the understory of the rainforest where it originally grew, but it can also thrive in full sun as long as the soil is kept moist.
Cuttings of Katuk can be readily reproduced by placing them in water or planting them straight into the soil in a shaded and wet region. The shrub is capable of gaining up to half a metre (0.5 m) in height every week under optimal circumstances; nevertheless, it has a propensity to topple over when it becomes too big. Regular trimming is done by Asian farmers both because of this reason and to foster sensitive new shoot growth.
Katuk plant maintenance
Katuk requires minimum care and attention. The plant is particularly resistant to being trimmed and may be kept as a hedge or clipped all the way down during the winter season. If you are growing Katuk to consume it and harvest it regularly, this plant will welcome frequent fertilisation and the addition of rich compost to maintain strong harvests.
Temperature
Katuk is a tropical plant that prefers high humidity and warm temperatures. During the winter months, the plant is inactive. This is an ideal time to chop back dead brush to promote healthier growth in the spring.
Water
Like other tropical plants, Katuk loves to be kept damp but not waterlogged.
Light
Katuk thrives best as an understory plant in partial shade or dappled sunlight. If you want to grow it in a sunny location, you will need to water it more often. It develops more slowly under direct sunlight.
Soil
Katuk is not very particular about the soil in which it is cultivated. It grows best in loamy soil, but may also thrive in the sand, acidic soil, and clay.
Fertiliser
Utilising an organic, all-purpose vegetable fertiliser will increase the number of shoots produced by your katuk. According to some, the shoots are the most flavorful component of the plant.
Katuk: Uses
Source: Pinterest
In many regions of South and Southeast Asia, Katuk is combined with minced pork or dried shrimp to create a hearty soup. It is sometimes used with eggs or dried anchovies in stir fry. Additionally, it is prepared in recipes along with crab meat. The young shoots are prepared in the same manner as asparagus and cooked before consumption.
- In general, the younger the leaves, the better they are in salads, and the older the leaves, the better they are cooked.
- Young shoots that are around seven centimetres long and are taken as the leaves unfold have a flavour similar to that of asparagus.
- It has a flavour that is sweet and somewhat comparable to fresh garden peas.
- The leaves are an excellent source of protein (about 6–10%) and provide a lot of other essential nutrients.
- The leaves have many medicinal uses, including as a tonic, febrifugal, and cough medication.
Note: Before attempting to use a plant for medicinal purposes, you should always seek the counsel of a trained practitioner.
Source: Pinterest
Health benefits of Katuk leaves
The following are the health benefits of ingesting Katuk leaf extract:
Boosts antioxidants
Katuk leaves contain the largest quantities of antioxidants, polyphenols and ionic compounds, which protect body cells from damage and inflammation produced by free radicals, compared to numerous other kinds of vegetables.
Accelerates the healing procedure
Vitamin C found in Katuk leaves may aid in the synthesis of collagen, an essential protein required by skin cells for wound healing. Regular use of Katuk leaf extract may expedite the skin’s healing process, hence reducing the necessary recovery time.
Prevents bacterial infections
The ethanolic extract found in Katuk leaves helps prevent pneumonia and bacteremia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infections. Normal quantities of these two bacteria are found in the human intestines and nose. When the growth is uncontrolled and produces an infection, though, you may cure it by taking Katuk leaves.
Reduces blood sugar
It is thought that increased blood sugar levels might lead to diabetes. According to research, Katuk leaves contain anti-diabetic compounds, therefore they may reduce blood sugar levels in the body.
Controls obesity
As with other green vegetables, Katuk leaves include natural substances such as flavonoids, fibre, and water that help reduce overeating by making you feel full for longer. In addition, ingesting this plant helps you maintain a healthy weight since 100 grams of Katuk leaves contain just 1 gram of fat.
FAQs
How quickly does Katuk grow?
In optimal circumstances, the shrub is capable of growing up to half a metre (0.5 m.) every week; however, once it reaches a certain height, it has a propensity to lean over.
Can Katuk be grown indoors?
Sauropus androgynus (Katuk) thrives in warm climates. In regions with warm weather, these plants may be cultivated as perennials. They must be moved inside or placed in a greenhouse throughout the winter since they are unable to withstand frost.
Is Katuk toxic?
Even though Katuk leaf has positive effects on health, it is possible that ingesting an unsafe amount of it might be harmful. When consumed in large quantities, Katuk leaves may cause unpleasant side effects, including sleepiness, lightheadedness, and even constipation.
Does Katuk taste good?
The flavour of Katuk leaves is similar to that of fresh peas, although it is nuttier. Young Katuk berries have a flavour and consistency that are comparable to those of cucumbers.
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