Are you searching for greens that can thrive and flourish even in this scorching sun and intense humidity? Well, get ready, because we’re about to explore a few different varieties of tropical leafy greens that are perfect for your summer garden. I’ll be taste-testing an assortment of greens that can handle the heat, including Swiss Chard, Red Malabar Spinach, Red Russian Kale, Kiko’s Crump, Cranberry Hibiscus, Chinese Amaranth, Ethiopian Kale, and Egyptian Spinach.
Dive into the Greens
Just because we can grow them doesn’t mean they’re all delicious, so let’s see which leafy greens make the cut and which ones might fail the taste test. Let’s dive right in!
1. Ethiopian Kale
Starting at the lowest part of my Greenstalk, the Ethiopian kale has a thin, loose-leaf lettuce texture. It’s not super crisp, more like a butter lettuce. The taste is neutral with a hint of grassy kale aftertaste, resembling Dinosaur Kale. Overall, a good choice for its texture and flavor.
2. Ruby Red Swiss Chard
Moving on to the ruby red Swiss chard, the texture is crunchy like Romaine, but the flavor is extremely bitter. Though visually appealing, the bitterness might make it less favorable for raw consumption. It’s suggested for cooked dishes to mellow out the taste.
3. Chinese Amaranth
The Chinese amaranth boasts a beautiful color with red veins and a green leaf. Its texture is similar to Ethiopian kale but with a bit more bitterness or peppery taste towards the end. As an addition to meals rather than a whole salad, it’s a decent option.
4. Egyptian Spinach
The Egyptian spinach surprises with a soft, neutral texture and a pleasant taste. With no grassy or bitter notes, it resembles hydroponic butter lettuce from the grocery store. A definite winner for its sweet and neutral profile.
5. Red Malabar Spinach
Red Malabar spinach impresses with a taste just like regular spinach. The leaf is soft with a sweet, grassy undertone. Its similarity to spinach makes it a fantastic addition to your leafy greens veggies in summer.
6. Red Russian Kale
Red Russian kale, typically a cold-weather green, surprisingly holds up well in the sun. It tastes like Dinosaur Kale but with a softer leaf and less grassy dirt taste. A substantial and crunchy leaf with a touch of bitterness makes it a good contender.
7. Kiko’s Crump
Kiko’s Crump hibiscus offers a unique texture—slightly furry and spiky. Its neutral taste makes it suitable for lettuce wraps, where the thick leaf holds together well. A bit mucousy, but it blends nicely with other greens.
8. Cranberry Hibiscus
The cranberry hibiscus stands out with its intense citrusy and lemony flavor. The thick leaf, reminiscent of romaine, doesn’t require salad dressing. Its sweet and tangy profile makes it a delightful addition to your leafy greens in summer.
Thanks for joining me on this taste-testing journey of tropical leafy greens! I hope this helps you decide which leafy greens to grow in your summer garden for a year-round supply. Happy gardening!
