What is Morning Glory Vegetable (Water Spinach)?

Morning glory vegetable, commonly known as water spinach, is a popular leafy green in several Asian cuisines such as Vietnamese, Thai and Filipino cuisine. Its vibrant green leaves, hollow stems and mild flavor can be turned into many delicious yet simple dishes through various cooking methods, from stir-frying to boiling, and even raw preparations. Let’s explore what is morning glory vegetable and how to add it to your daily meals!

What is Morning Glory Vegetable?

Morning glory vegetable or water spinach (scientific name: Ipomoea aquatica), is a semi-aquatic plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It grows rapidly in moist soils or shallow waters. With these characteristics, water spinach is a native vegetable to Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and southern China which have sub-tropical to tropical climate. It is easy to spot water spinach growing along rice field edges or in waterlogged swamp areas.

Originating from Southeast Asia, morning glory is now sold in many countries worldwide, primarily in Asian grocery stores and supermarkets. Its long, tender stems and arrow-shaped leaves are entirely edible, making it a popular option for soups, stir-fries, noodles, and fresh salads. For example, in Vietnam, boiled morning glory or stir-fried morning glory with garlic are dishes that every Vietnamese person has likely enjoyed at least once in their life.

How Does Morning Glory Taste?

Morning glory has a mild, slightly earthy flavor, with a hint of sweetness in both the stems and leaves. The stems are crunchy when cooked, while the leaves become tender but keep their own unique flavor. When raw, it has a subtle crispness, making it a refreshing addition to salads, cold dishes or fresh vegetables set served with noodles.

Nutritional Value

Water spinach is a very nutritious vegetable. It is rich in vitamins A and C that’s necessary for our daily diet, although not as high as in bell pepper, broccoli or bok choy. It also contains iron, calcium and potassium. Most importantly, water spinach is very rich in fiber, which helps improve the digestive system, prevent constipation, and support gut microbiota.

However, since morning glory grows in damp soil, it may contain parasites and impurities that can be harmful to humans. Therefore, it should be washed thoroughly before use, especially when consumed raw.

Morning Glory Recipes

Morning glory is a great ingredient for both cooked and raw dishes. Here are some popular ways to enjoy this leafy green:

Cooked Morning Glory Vegetable

• Morning Glory Stir-Fried with Garlic
  This simple and classic dish highlights the natural flavor of morning glory. Sautéed with fragrant garlic and seasoned with fish sauce or soy sauce, it is a quick and flavorful side dish.
• Boiled Morning Glory
  A light and healthy option, boiled morning glory is often paired with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce or fish sauce. The boiling process lasts only 5 minutes to preserve its bright green color and crunchy texture. And don’t throw away the boiling water! Add several drops of lime/lemon juice and a bit salt, you’ll get a super delicious soup to enjoy with rice. Boiled morning glory vegetable soup is always my top 1 soup!
• Morning Glory & Beef Soup
  This comforting soup combines tender slices of beef with water spinach, creating a nutritious and satisfying dish. The vegetable’s mild flavor complements the richness of the beef broth.
• Morning Glory Stir-Fried with Beef
  A hearty and protein-packed dish, this stir-fry combines the tender crunch of morning glory with juicy beef slices. It’s seasoned with oyster sauce and spices for a savory flavor profile.
• Morning Glory Stir-Fried with Snail
  A unique and adventurous dish, morning glory stir-fried with snail is a specialty in many Southeast Asian cuisines. The snails add a chewy texture and a hint of brininess, balancing the vegetable’s freshness.

Raw Morning Glory Vegetable

• Morning Glory Salads
  Often paired with tangy dressings or spicy chili-lime sauces, raw morning glory in salads provides a fresh and crunchy base. It’s a vibrant dish perfect for hot weather.
• Morning Glory Strips
  Thinly sliced water spinach stems are used as additional vegetables for some types of noodles like Vietnamese Bun Bo Hue and Crab Noodle Soup, offering a unique crunch and a visually appealing texture.

• Morning Glory for Hotpot
  Water spinach is a common addition to Asian hotpots. Its leaves and stems cook quickly, soaking up the broth’s flavors while maintaining their integrity.

Morning glory vegetable is indeed a true gem of Asian cuisine. Whether cooked or raw, this leafy green promises to deliver flavor, nutrition, and a touch of Asian culture to your table.