ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the origin and distribution, nutritional composition, medicinal values, climatic requirement, soil requirement, cultivated varieties and post-harvest management of ceylon spinach. Tropical America, where Ceylon spinach is found growing naturally on roadsides, waste places and forests edges, is considered as its probable origin. Ceylon spinach can be cultivated on a wide range of soils but it grows best on well-drained fertile, moderately deep, friable soils rich in organic matter. The soft leaves and shoots of Ceylon spinach are usually consumed after cooking. They are although watery but should not be cooked for a long time. Ceylon spinach significantly contributes to human health; thus, it should be included in daily diet. The nutritional requirement of Ceylon spinach generally depends on soil type, fertility status of the soil, crop grown in previous season and irrigation facilities. Aphid is a pest that attacks the Ceylon spinach crop during the growing season.
