Atriplex hortensis

Atriplex hortensis, also known as garden orache, red orach, mountain spinach, French spinach, or simply orach, is a species of Atriplex plant native to Europe and Western Asia. It is a hardy, annual plant that is part of the Amaranthaceae family.

Description

Atriplex hortensis is a tall, broad-leafed, bushy plant that can grow up to 1-2 meters in height. The leaves are arrow-shaped, 3-8 cm long and 2-5 cm broad, and are green or red. The flowers are small and green, and the seeds are small, flat and circular.

Cultivation

Atriplex hortensis is a fast-growing plant that prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including poor soils, and is resistant to pests and diseases. It is often grown as a leaf vegetable and is harvested from late spring to early autumn. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a slightly salty taste.

Uses

The leaves of Atriplex hortensis are used in salads, soups, and stews. They are also used as a spinach substitute in many recipes. The seeds can be ground into a meal and used as a cereal substitute. In addition to its culinary uses, Atriplex hortensis is also used in traditional medicine for its supposed health benefits.

See also

• Atriplex
• Leaf vegetable
• Amaranthaceae

References

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