General description and special characteristics – Sometimes called the spinach tree, chaya is a fast-growing perennial shrub native to Mexico that produces large, dark green leaves. Relatively new to Asia, the young leaves and thick succulent stems of chaya are a good source of protein, calcium, phosphorous, iron, vitamins A and C as well as niacin, riboflavin and thiamine. Raw chaya leaves are toxic, because they contain a cyanide-producing glucoside. Cooking chaya in boiling water for at least ten minutes inactivates the toxic compounds.
Variety – ECHO