Malabar Nightshade

The Malabar Nightshade (Cebuano: Alugbati, Tagalog: Libato) is a soft-stemmed vine found in the tropics. It has a semi-succulent, heart-shaped green or purple leaves that has a mild flavor and thick texture. The flowers are pink that later on turns purple when matured. The stem can be either purplish or greenish. The plant is a rich source of chlorophyll for food coloring. Typical of green leafy vegetables, it is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium. It is low in calories by volume, and high in protein per calorie. The succulent mucilage, found in the leaves and stem is a rich source of fiber thus it is also a mild laxative for pregnant women and children. Roots are employed as rubefacient (external application that causes vasodilation) while the poultice and sap of the leaves is used to reduce local swelling like acne eruptions. Pulped leaves applied to boils and ulcers hastens suppuration. Sugared juice of leaves is useful for catarrhal afflictions.

Visayan Chop Suey:

• 1 Chicken Broth Cube dissolved in
• 1 cup coconut milk (second extraction)
• 2 cups squash cut into cubes
• 2 cups patola (sponge gourd) sliced
• 1 small bundle kangkong pluck leaves & slice upper tender stems
• 4 pcs. okra sliced 1 in. long
• 1 small bundle alugbati leaves
• 4 medium tomatoes
• 1/4 cup coconut cream (kakang gata)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Bring to boil first 2 ingredients; add squash, patola and kangkong stalks; simmer about 5 min.
  
• Add in the rest of the vegetables. Simmer about 3 min. before adding coconut cream. Adjust seasonings to taste.