13 Surprising #Kangkung Facts You Didn't Know Until Now
Finally, this little green vegetable gets the recognition and respect that it deserves. Well done, Kangkung, well done.
By Mei Mei Chu — 14 Jan 2014, 11:32 AM — Updated over 10 years ago
1. Kangkung is known as Water Spinach in English. The scientific name for Kangkung is Ipomoea Aquatica.
Other names of water spinach include: water convolvulus, swamp cabbage (English); kankon, you-sai (Japanese); ong tsoi, weng cai (Cantonese); toongsin tsai (Mandarin); kang kong (Filipino, Malaysian); kang kung, rau muong (Vietnamese); pak bung (Thai); batata acquatica, cancon (Portuguese).
2. Kangkung is an illegal vegetation in Texas, US. The plant has been on Texas' "Harmful or Potentially Harmful Exotic Fish, Shellfish and Aquatic Plants" list since 1990.
Water spinach is considered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to be an aquatic nuisance species and is therefore highly regulated. The plant has been on the "Harmful or Potentially Harmful Exotic Fish, Shellfish and Aquatic Plants" list since 1990.
texassaltwaterfishingmagazine.comTexas law (Parks and Wildlife Code 66.007) states that "no person may import, possess, sell, or place into waters of the state exotic harmful or potentially harmful fish, shellfish, or aquatic plants except as authorized by rule or permit issued by the department."
texassaltwaterfishingmagazine.com3. Kangkung is listed as "Federal Noxious Weed" under the US Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Act.
Kangkung is listed as "Federal Noxious Weed" under the US Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Act.
Image via fussfreecooking.comWater spinach is on the federal noxious weed list because it becomes an established weed in fresh water-ways in tropical climates. It has become an established weed in several southern states in the United States.
Federally Regulated: Listed as a Federal Noxious Weed under the Plant Protection Act, which makes it illegal in the U.S. to import or transport between States without a permit (USDA, APHIS - Noxious Weeds Program)
6. Kangkung is so well-loved in Malaysia that there are several Facebook pages dedicated to the vegetable
Kangkung is so well-loved in Malaysia that there are several Facebook pages dedicated to the vegetable
Image via imgur.com7. Kangkung has mild laxative properties that can be used to treat indigestion and constipation
Kangkung has mild laxative properties that can be used to treat indigestion and constipation
Image via blogspot.com8. Eating lots of Kangkung can reduce cholesterol levels, prevent cancer and improve eye health
There are 29 calories in a 100g serving of Kangkung (Water Spinach).
Calorie breakdown: 7% fat, 60% carbs, 33% protein.
fatsecret.com
Eatings lots of Kangkung can reduce cholesterol levels, prevent cancer and improve eye health
Image via urbancdn.com9. One has to be careful when eating Kangkung in its raw form as it often grows wild in swampy soil and polluted water
One has to be careful when eating Kangkung in its raw form as it often grows wild in swampy soil and polluted water
Image via daum.net10. 'Lenggang Kangkung' is a Malaysian folk song about being honest and humble
11. In Indonesia, it is considered a taboo to serve Kangkung to honoured guests
When receiving honored guests it is almost a taboo to serve kangkung. Dishes in which the vegetable is commonly used, such as gado-gado, are made with bayam instead. Bayam is another type of spinach, and considered to be of a better ""class"".
thejakartapost.com
12. The Malay and Chinese believe women should avoid eating Kangkung during confinement period as the 'cooling' element in the plant will cause weak joints in the mother's body
The Malay and Chinese believe women should avoid 'Kangkung' during confinement period as the 'cooling' element in the plant will cause weak joints in the mother's body
Image via inforeseps.com