Red Orach

Red Orach is an annual herbaceous plant, similar to Spinach, grown for its magnificent red leaves. An easy-to-grow vegetable that grows to an amazing height of almost 2 m. Sow from March to July and harvest from July to September.

Orach, Atriplex hortensis in Latin, belongs to the Chenopodoaceae family. It is native to Central Asia and Siberia. This leaf vegetable was commonly grown in the Middle Ages before it was supplanted by spinach. It is a spectacularly fast-growing annual. It has an upright habit, measuring from 1 to 2.5 m in height. Its fluted stem carries large alternate leaves which vary in colour depending on the variety.

Orach leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach in a stew, gratin, pie etc. They go very well with sorrel. Orach is low in calories but high in fibre, vitamin C and minerals. Given its high oxalic acid content, it should nevertheless be consumed in moderation by people prone to kidney stones.

Orach is easy to grow. It does well in rather poor soil in the half-shade. Its only failing is its tendency to bolt during dry spells. Stagger your sowing to bypass this problem.

Harvesting: the first young leaves will be ready to harvest about 4 months after sowing.

Preservation: Orach does not keep very well in the refrigerator as it tends to wilt. It is best to eat it a few hours after harvesting. However, blanched leaves (boiled in salted water for 3 minutes) can be frozen for later use.

Useful tip: In order to limit weeding, mulch the soil with thin layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This will keep the soil moist and the watering down to a minimum.

NB. Organic seeds (in French "AB" for "Agriculture Biologique") are produced from plants that aren't treated with phytosanitary products (insecticides, weed killers). The seeds do not undergo post-harvest treatment. They carry the AB label and are approved by Ecocert, an independent structure.