Katuk Sweet Leaf - Sauropus androgynus
Katuk, also known as Sweet Leaf Bush, is a perennial edible leafy plant. It thrives in warm humid conditions, and makes a very useful addition to a permaculture food forest. It can be grown as a small landscape hedge with the added benefit of edible leaves for year round consumption. The flowers and small purplish fruits of the plant can also been eaten.
The leaves and young shoot tips are high in plant protein. In approximately 100 grams of leaves the nutritional content is as follows: energy 59 cal, 6.4 g protein, 1.0 g fat, 9.9 g carbohydrate, 1.5 g fiber, 233 mg calcium, phosphorus 98 mg, 3.5 mg iron, carotene 10,020 mcg (vitamin A), B, and C 164 mg, and 81 g water.
There are many ways to eat this powerhouse plant. In Southeast Asia, the leaves are often used in soups, or stir fried with eggs and other popular dishes. The taste of Katuk leaves is often compared to peas with a hint of peanut. However you decide to eat Katuk, it’s an amazing perennial permaculture plant that is well worth it to have in the garden.