🌳 Chaya (Tree Spinach)

Overview

Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius), known as "tree spinach" or "Mayan spinach," is a fast-growing perennial shrub native to the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America. Exceptionally high in protein, calcium, and iron, chaya has been a nutritional staple in Mayan culture for centuries. Critical safety note: Chaya leaves contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides when raw and must be cooked for at least 20 minutes.

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Key nutrition highlights

• Protein: exceptionally high protein for a leafy green (6-8g per 100g cooked), comparable to legumes.
• Calcium: extremely rich in calcium (approximately 200mg per 100g cooked), higher than dairy.
• Iron: excellent iron source (approximately 5mg per 100g), important for blood health.
• Vitamin A: very high in beta-carotene, supporting vision and immunity.
• Fiber: good source of dietary fiber for digestive health.
• Antioxidants: contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds.

Safety critical: Never eat chaya raw or cook in aluminum cookware. Cook for minimum 20 minutes to neutralize toxic compounds.

Common benefits people look for

• High plant-based protein source
• Bone health support (exceptional calcium content)
• Blood health (high iron content)
• Diabetes management support (traditional use, research ongoing)
• Digestive health and regularity
• Nutrient density for plant-based diets

These are general wellness themes in nutrition research and traditional use—not disease treatment claims.

Common uses

• Boiled greens: boil leaves for 20+ minutes, drain, season with lime and salt (most common preparation).
• Soups and stews: add to bean soups, vegetable stews (cook minimum 20 minutes).
• Tamales and empanadas: traditional Mayan filling after thorough cooking.
• Rice and grain dishes: stir cooked chaya into rice, quinoa preparations.
• Eggs: scramble with eggs after pre-cooking chaya separately.
• Agua de chaya: traditional beverage made by blending cooked leaves with pineapple and water.

Never cook in aluminum: Use stainless steel or ceramic cookware. Aluminum reacts with chaya compounds.