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Indian Kalimeris

Leafy Green Vegetable

Indian Kalimeris

Indian Kalimeris is a low-calorie, edible Asian leafy green with a mild herbal flavor.

Indian Kalimeris (Kalimeris indica), also known as Indian aster, is an edible perennial herb commonly used in Asian cuisines. It features tender leaves and stems with a mildly bitter, herbal flavor, often stir-fried, blanched, or added to soups.

low-calorie foraged leafy green

Typical serving · 100g

Common varieties · Wild Kalimeris, Cultivated Kalimeris, Double-flowered Kalimeris

80health

Overall context score across nutrition, safety, and diet fit

At a glance

Quick facts

Simple indicators based on nutrition, processing, and diet fit.

Low calorieLow carbLow glycemicWeight lossDiabetes-friendlyGut health

The story

What makes it unique

Indian Kalimeris is a low-energy, high-water leafy green characterized by slow digestion due to its fiber content, promoting moderate satiety. Its macronutrient profile is negligible, but it provides micronutrients and phenolic compounds. As a fresh vegetable, it is minimally processed.

Varieties: Wild Kalimeris · Cultivated Kalimeris · Double-flowered Kalimeris

#indiankalimeris#kalimerisindica#indianaster#leafygreens#lowcalorie#lowcarb#foraging#asianvegetables#wildgreens#bloodsugarfriendly

Per 100g

Nutrition breakdown

Macro balance and key metrics at a glance.

Energy

25kcal

Density 0.25 kcal/g

Protein

2g

Carbs

4g

Fat

0.4g

Fiber

2g

Sugar

0.5 g

Sodium

40 mg

Potassium

250 mg

Glycemic index

15

Glycemic load

1

Water content

90%

Standout compounds

Nutrient highlights

  • Vitamin A

    moderate

    Supports vision and immune function

  • Vitamin C

    moderate

    Promotes collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense

  • Flavonoids

    high

    Provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

  • Dietary Fiber

    moderate

    Supports digestion and gut microbiome health

Wellness map

Health scores & processing

Weight loss
90
Satiety
65
Blood sugar
95
Gut health
80
Heart health
75
Fitness
40
Processing
95

NOVA processing scale

1
Min
2
3
4
Ultra

Minimally processed · Whole food

Fresh Indian Kalimeris is a whole, unprocessed plant food. Processing only occurs through washing and cooking at home.

Diet compatibility

  • Weight loss
  • Muscle gain
  • Diabetes
  • Gut health
  • Low carb
  • High protein
  • Heart health

Relative standing

Food rankings

Qualitative ranks compared to similar whole foods.

  • Satietygood
  • Blood sugarexcellent
  • Nutrient densitygood
  • Fitness fuelpoor
  • Processing qualityexcellent

Eat with confidence

Food safety profile

Generally safe when sourced from reputable suppliers or clean foraging environments. Leafy greens can retain pesticide residue or soil contaminants, requiring thorough washing.

85safety

Evidence confidence 75%

  • Pesticidesmoderate
  • Antibioticslow
  • Heavy metalsmoderate
  • Contaminationlow

Watch for

  • Soil residue
  • Pesticides
  • Agricultural runoff

Safer choices

Organically grown Indian Kalimeris reduces pesticide exposure risk.

Prep tips

Rinse thoroughly under running water and soak if needed to remove soil and potential pesticide residue from the leaves and stems.

Standard leafy green agricultural regulations apply; foraged varieties depend on local soil quality.

Deep dive

Health analysis

How this food may fit different goals and preparation choices.

  1. Weight loss

    Very low energy density and calorie content allow for high-volume eating without exceeding daily limits.

  2. Blood sugar

    Negligible carbohydrate content and high fiber result in virtually no glycemic impact, making it safe for blood sugar management.

  3. Fitness & energy

    Not a significant source of macronutrients for fuel, but provides micronutrients that support overall metabolic function.

  4. Gut health

    Dietary fiber supports healthy digestion and feeds beneficial gut bacteria, though total fiber per serving is modest.

  5. Processing quality

    A whole, natural food with no artificial additives when purchased fresh.

  6. Food safety

    Primary concerns are pesticide residue and soil-borne contaminants, mitigated by proper washing and cooking.

  7. Common mistakes

    Overcooking can destroy heat-sensitive vitamins and turn the leaves mushy; quick blanching or stir-frying is preferable.

  8. Best preparation

    Quick stir-frying with garlic, blanching and dressing with sesame oil, or adding to soups at the end of cooking.

Practical guide

Best use cases

When and how this food fits real eating patterns.

  • Low-calorie side dish

    Blanched and dressed with light sesame oil and soy sauce for a filling, low-calorie accompaniment.

  • Nutrient-dense soup addition

    Added to broths and soups to increase volume and micronutrient content without adding calories.

  • Foraged whole food diet

    Incorporated into a whole-food diet by foraging from clean, pesticide-free environments.

Balance sheet

Pros & cons

Upsides

  • Very low in calories and carbohydrates
  • Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids
  • Supports healthy blood sugar levels
  • High water content promotes hydration and fullness
  • Versatile in Asian-style cooking

Trade-offs

  • Not a significant source of protein or energy
  • Can be bitter if not cooked properly
  • Foraged varieties risk soil contamination if sourced from polluted areas
  • Not widely available in standard Western supermarkets

Fit check

Who is it for?

Great match

  • weight loss diets
  • blood sugar management
  • low-carb eating
  • whole food plant-based diets
  • foraging enthusiasts

Consider alternatives

  • high-protein diets
  • calorie-dense bulking
  • those seeking fast workout energy

Side by side

How it compares

Open the full head-to-head analysis for nutrition, safety, and practical tradeoffs.

  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS95% alike
    Chrysanthemum greens

    Compare with

    Chrysanthemum greens

    Both are mildly bitter Asian greens, but chrysanthemum greens are more widely commercially available.

    Chrysanthemum greens and Indian Kalimeris are nutritionally similar low-calorie Asian greens, though chrysanthemum greens are easier to find in stores.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Chrysanthemum greens
  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS85% alike
    Spinach

    Compare with

    Spinach

    Spinach is milder and higher in iron, while Indian Kalimeris offers unique antioxidants and a firmer texture when cooked.

    Spinach provides more iron and is better for raw salads, while Indian Kalimeris holds texture better when cooked and offers distinct antioxidants.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Spinach
  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS80% alike
    Water spinach

    Compare with

    Water spinach

    Water spinach has thicker, hollow stems and milder leaves, whereas Indian Kalimeris is entirely tender with a slightly herbal taste.

    Indian Kalimeris is slightly lower in calories than water spinach, but water spinach provides more volume per serving for stir-fries.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Water spinach
  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS75% alike
    Bok choy

    Compare with

    Bok choy

    Bok choy offers a crisp texture and higher Vitamin C, while Indian Kalimeris provides more phenolic antioxidants.

    Bok choy is crunchier and higher in Vitamin C, while Indian Kalimeris is lower in calories and richer in specific antioxidants.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Bok choy
  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS70% alike
    Kale

    Compare with

    Kale

    Kale is significantly higher in vitamins K and C, while Indian Kalimeris is softer when cooked and less bitter.

    Kale is a nutrient denser option with more vitamins, but Indian Kalimeris is lower in calories and more tender when cooked.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Kale
  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS65% alike
    Arugula

    Compare with

    Arugula

    Arugula is primarily eaten raw, whereas Indian Kalimeris is usually cooked to mellow its herbal bitterness.

    Arugula is better suited for raw salads with a peppery kick, while Indian Kalimeris is preferred cooked for a mild herbal flavor.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Arugula
  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS65% alike
    Mustard greens

    Compare with

    Mustard greens

    Mustard greens have a strong, spicy flavor and higher Vitamin K, while Indian Kalimeris is much milder and more delicate.

    Mustard greens are spicier and higher in Vitamin K, whereas Indian Kalimeris is milder and lower in calories.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Mustard greens
  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS60% alike
    Swiss chard

    Compare with

    Swiss chard

    Swiss chard is higher in magnesium and potassium, but Indian Kalimeris is lower in oxalates which can inhibit mineral absorption.

    Swiss chard offers more minerals like magnesium, but Indian Kalimeris is lower in calories and oxalates.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Swiss chard
  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS70% alike
    Dandelion greens

    Compare with

    Dandelion greens

    Both are forageable bitter greens, but dandelion is higher in calcium and more intensely bitter.

    Dandelion greens are more bitter and higher in calcium, while Indian Kalimeris offers a milder, more approachable flavor for cooking.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Dandelion greens
  • Indian Kalimeris

    This food

    Indian Kalimeris

    VS50% alike
    Romaine lettuce

    Compare with

    Romaine lettuce

    Romaine is crisp and water-rich for raw salads, while Indian Kalimeris is herbal and best suited for cooked applications.

    Romaine is better for raw crunch in salads, while Indian Kalimeris is nutritionally denser and better suited for warm dishes.

    Indian Kalimeris vs Romaine lettuce

Common questions

FAQ

Answers aligned with how people search for this food.

  • Is Indian Kalimeris edible?

    Yes, the leaves and young stems of Indian Kalimeris are edible and commonly consumed as a vegetable in East and Southeast Asia.

  • What does Indian Kalimeris taste like?

    It has a mildly bitter, herbal, and slightly sweet flavor, often compared to chrysanthemum greens or sweet greens.

  • How do you cook Indian Kalimeris?

    It is best prepared by quick stir-frying with garlic, blanching, or adding to soups near the end of cooking to preserve texture and nutrients.

  • Is Indian Kalimeris good for weight loss?

    Yes, it is very low in calories and carbohydrates while providing fiber, making it an excellent food for weight loss and volume eating.

  • Can diabetics eat Indian Kalimeris?

    Yes, it has an extremely low glycemic index and load, meaning it will not spike blood sugar levels.

  • Can you eat Indian Kalimeris raw?

    While it can be eaten raw in small amounts, it is usually cooked to reduce bitterness and eliminate potential soil-borne contaminants.

  • Is Indian Kalimeris a weed?

    It is often considered a weed in lawns, but it is specifically foraged or cultivated as a culinary green in many Asian cultures.

  • What are the health benefits of Kalimeris indica?

    It provides antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and fiber, supporting gut health, blood sugar control, and reducing inflammation.

Transparency

Data confidence

Estimated confidence for nutrition data, interpretation, safety notes, and comparisons.

70

Nutrition data

75

Health analysis

80

Food safety

75

Comparisons