Basalle Soppu (Sambar Cheera/ Ceylon Spinach)

Kannada : Bassale soppu, Malayalam : Sambar/ Vashala cheera, Tamil : Kodi pasalai or pasalai keerai, Telugu : Bachhali
Health benefits:

1. Controls gestational diabetics
   
2. Indian spinach has cooling and soothening properties.
   
3. Used for the treatment of mouth ulcer.
   
4. It is the main ingredient of the Ayurvedic tonic Sukhaprasava gritham which advices to consume from 8th month of pregnancy.
   
5. Leaves and stems are used for treating boils.
   
6. High quantity of Minerals, Anti oxidants in this spinach prevents Anemia, Cancer in stomach and osteoporosis.
   
7. Best vegetable for diabetic patients; as it is a low calorie food.
   
8. Induces good sleep and increases semen.
   
9. Increases taste and strength.
   

Sambar Cheera Recipes

Leaves and tender stems of Malabar spinach is using for cooking. It is an ingredient in so many tasty recipes like salads, thoran, soup, Kootu kari, Avial, sambar and many more. Seeds of purple spinach could be used as the best natural food color.

Cultivation and Propagation of Sambar Cheera
Propagation of Malabar spinach is done by the stem cuttings and seeds. It likes direct sun light and well drained moist soil.