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Genjer leaves are green in color. They are somewhat triangular, spoon-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette fashion. They may reach around 50 centimeters in height and 7 centimeters in width. They taste like a mix of spinach and long beans, and have a somewhat bitter tang. They also have an ammonia-like aroma. They are commonly used along with the flower buds and are blanched before use.
Seasons/Availability
Genjer leaves are available year-round.
Current Facts
Genjer leaves are botanically classified as Limnocharis flava. They may also be referred to as Yellow Velvetleaf, Yellow Burrhead, and Sawah Lettuce. They are an aquatic plant that is commonly thought of as a weed. They were once commonly harvested in paddy fields. They have been an important vegetable in many parts of Asia and can be found local markets, rather than large supermarkets.
Nutritional Value
Genjer leaves contain fiber, protein, amino acids, catetenoids and carbohydrates. They are also a source of vitamin A and vitamin B.
Applications
Genjer leaves are best used in cooked applications. To prepare them for use, first wash them and soften them by scrunching them gently with your hands. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, then blanch them. Genjer leaves are commonly used in stir fries and soups. They pair well with grated coconut, fish and shrimp, as well as flavorings like garlic, chile peppers, shallots, and peanut sauce. To store Genjer leaves, place them in a loose plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they will last for a couple of days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Genjer leaves are considered to be "poor people's food", such as in World War II when the Japanese occupied Java. In Indonesia in the 1960s, when there was poltiical unrest, Genjer became first a symbol of suffering and oppression, then a symbol of protest. A song titled Genjer-Genjer, sung in the Banyuwangi language of Java, became popular in that time; it was said to be used in an uprising and the subsequent assassination of a group of senior military personnel in 1965.
Geography/History
The origins of the Genjer plant are unclear. However, it is native to South America. It was introduced to Southeast Asia in the 1800s and spread throughout the region. It is perhaps most commonly used in Java and Sumatra, but also in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
Genjer leaves exhibit a unique mix of flavors, reminiscent of spinach and long beans, accented by a slightly bitter tang. These triangular, spoon-shaped leaves grow in a rosette fashion and can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. Their ammonia-like aroma adds distinctiveness to their profile, and they are often paired with flower buds and blanched before consumption to enhance their culinary appeal.
Genjer leaves are a versatile ingredient often used in stir fries and soups. Before cooking, they should be washed, softened by scrunching, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Popular pairings include grated coconut, fish, shrimp, garlic, chile peppers, shallots, and peanut sauce. To keep them fresh, store Genjer leaves in a loose plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they will remain usable for a couple of days.
Genjer leaves are botanically classified as Limnocharis flava and are also known as Yellow Velvetleaf, Yellow Burrhead, and Sawah Lettuce. These aquatic plants, often considered weeds, are traditionally harvested in paddy fields. A staple vegetable in many parts of Asia, genjer leaves are typically found in local markets rather than large supermarkets. They are packed with fiber, protein, amino acids, carotenoids, carbohydrates, vitamin A, and vitamin B.
Genjer leaves originate from the Genjer plant, which is native to South America. It was introduced to Southeast Asia during the 1800s and became widely used in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. In Indonesia, it is particularly popular in Java and Sumatra, where it features prominently in traditional recipes and local culinary practices.
Genjer: During Indonesian political unrest in the 1960s, Genjer symbolized both suffering and resistance. A song titled "Genjer-Genjer," sung in the Banyuwangi language, became a powerful emblem of protest. The song was later associated with an uprising and the 1965 assassination of senior military leaders, tying the plant to a turbulent chapter of Indonesia's history.
Genjer leaves are green, triangular, and spoon-shaped, growing in a rosette pattern. Reaching up to 50 cm in height and 7 cm in width, their taste combines the flavors of spinach and long beans with a slight bitter tang. They emit an ammonia-like aroma and are often prepared with their flower buds. To reduce bitterness and aroma, they are typically blanched before use.
Genjer leaves are best cooked and require some preparation—wash, scrunch to soften, cut into bite-sized pieces, then blanch. They're a versatile ingredient, often added to stir-fries or soups, and pair beautifully with grated coconut, seafood like fish and shrimp, and bold flavors such as garlic, chili peppers, shallots, and peanut sauce. To maximize freshness, store them in a loose plastic bag in the refrigerator; they can last for a couple of days.
Genjer leaves, botanically known as Limnocharis flava, are also called Yellow Velvetleaf, Yellow Burrhead, or Sawah Lettuce. These aquatic plants are often considered weeds but have long been valued as an important vegetable in many parts of Asia. They were traditionally harvested from paddy fields and are commonly sold in local markets rather than large supermarkets. They offer fiber, protein, amino acids, carotenoids, carbohydrates, vitamin A, and vitamin B.
Genjer: This plant, native to South America, was introduced to Southeast Asia in the 1800s. Over time, it gained popularity across the region and is widely used in Java, Sumatra, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Its versatility has made it a staple in regional cuisines and traditions.
Genjer leaves hold a deep historical significance in Indonesia. During World War II under Japanese occupation, they were considered "poor people's food." By the 1960s, amidst political unrest, Genjer became a symbol first of suffering and later of protest. The song "Genjer-Genjer," sung in the Banyuwangi language, rose to prominence during this time, becoming associated with an uprising and the assassination of senior military personnel in 1965.
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