Aibika – Hibiscus syn Abelmoschus manihot
Aibika is not just a pretty plant, although I’d grow it just for that. Gorgeous, huge, dark green glossy leaves create a very tropical look in the garden. It’s not just spunky though, it’s exceptionally nutritious too! Packed to the rafters with protein, at a whopping 29%, and full of chlorophyll (just look at those dark green leaves!). It has a good balance of amino acids, with 8 of the essential amino acids our body cannot produce by itself.
Scroll down for a yummy minty smoothie
Aibika is used for medicinal purposes too, from reducing symptoms of colds to stomach aches, digestive complaints and wounds. It can replace spinach or other greens in just about any dish; sandwiches, quiche, salads, coleslaw, soups, stews, casseroles…. Drink it as a tea, or add it to a super-nutritious smoothie. You can eat leaves raw, steamed or stewed. Smaller leaves are best, as older leaves can be a little slime-like, but I find it helps your smoothie slide right down. If it bothers you though, give them a quick boil or steam to reduce the mucilage.
Follow this link for my more detailed ‘how to grow and how to eat Aibika‘ blog post.
Minty Aibika Green Super Smoothie
Nutritious, delicious, minty and green super smoothie
- 1 handful Aibika/Queensland Greens
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 banana (frozen is yummiest)
- 6 grapes
- 2-3 sprigs fresh mint
- 4 ice cubes
- Add all ingredients to your blender. Blend for 30-60 seconds until you’re happy with the consistency. Leave the ice cubes out if your blender is not suitable for crushing ice – you can add ice cubes to your smoothie glass if needed.
- See photo for how much mint I added – you can add more if you like!
- Add more orange juice if your smoothie is too thick.
