The seed pod of the Sword Bean actually resembles the blade of a sword. Botanically, it is known as Canavalia Ensiformis and originates from tropical South and Central America. The seeds germinate readily within 8-10 days. Give the plants plenty of room to grow. The beans are best grown under full sun but are somewhat tolerant of shade. Provide a good base of a balanced fertilizer before sowing of seeds and feed with a flowering and fruiting fertilizer only occasionally during growth. Overfeeding with nitrogen may depress the yield of pods.
The ripe berries and cooked leaves of this edible strain of black nightshade are used as food in Tamil Nadu.
The thoroughly boiled leaves are used like spinach. The ripe black berries are described as sweet and salty, with hints of liquorice and melon.
It is nutritious containing high levels of Vitamin C, as well as niacin, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It is also used in herbal medicine, the leaves and berries can be eaten as a treatment for ulcers.
The leaves are also eaten in Greece, and Turkey and Indonesia, and the berries are turned into jam in South Africa.
Related to Peppers,Tomatoes and Eggplant, in Kannada it is known as kakki soppu, in Telugu Kamanchi chettu and in Hindi it is called Makoi.
Siru keerai, is another spinach substitute popular in Tamil Nadu. The leaves are smaller and pointier than Arai keerai and consuming it has cooling properties.
It goes well combined with dal or as a poriyal. Easy to grow, simply sprinkle tiny seeds on the surface of the soil
Araikeerai or spleen amaranthus is a variety of amaranthus popular in Tamil Nadu. A delicious substitute for spinach and an essential ingredient in preparation of Masiyal, it has medicinal qualities especially for post partum and lactating women.
Keerai leaves are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and folate. They also contain iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Keerai leaves can be used both raw or cooked, such as stir-frying, steaming, sautéing, and boiling. They can be added to salads and are commonly used in soups, stir-fries, rice dishes, dals, and curries.
Easy to grow, simply sprinkle seeds on the surface of soil.
Chukkakura looks similar to spinach, with broad dark green leaves and thick stems. Chukka leaves are sour and a bit meatier than spinach and they are triangular in shape. The pungent leaves have a tart, lemony flavor.
This variety of sorrel is known as Khatta palak, Ambat chukka, Indian Sorrel and Chukka Kura in various parts of India.
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 "Sword Bean -Canavalia Ensiformis-NEW FOR 2020!")
 "Black Nightshade - Manathakkali")
 "Amaranthus - Siru keerai")
 "Amaranthus - Arai keerai")
 "Chukka kura")
