What is spinach in the Philippines?
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                While true spinach (*Spinacia oleracea*) does not thrive in the hot, tropical climate of the Philippines, several indigenous vegetables are commonly known and used as substitutes. These leafy greens, including *alugbati* (Malabar spinach) and *talinum* (Philippine spinach), are nutrient-dense and form the basis for many Filipino dishes.