Solanum nigrum

Manathakkali is a spinach belonging to the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family. Predominantly a simple and humble plant but potent in its medicinal and culinary use. Manathakkali is a vibrant nutritional color of local Tamil culture and a crucial element to pay attention to on your Road back to Nature.

Manathakkali is a small plant that grows about 3 ft high, with dark, elongated leaves and small white flowers. The leaves can be harvested in generous bunches and made into a creamy spinach soup and/or added to sambar and different dals.

Manathakkali plant also produces beautiful black berries, smaller than a pea, and delicious to eat. At Solitude Farm Café, we throw the ripe berries into our salads, which adds colour and a distinctive flavor. When green, the berries can be toxic if eaten raw but are safe to eat cooked. In Tamil Nadu these are traditionally used to prepare a delicacy called Vathal Kuzhambu.

One of the most significant health benefits of both the Manathakkali leaf and berry is in curing stomach and mouth ulcers. Boil the leaves/berries, blend them, add coconut milk, a pinch of salt and drink as a soup. The cooked leaves reduce excessive heat in the body and help ease sinus infections, body pain, and skin problems. Extract of the leaves are purported to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties among other medical applications.