Spinach
Spinach is an edible flowering plant that is part of the Amaranthaceae family which includes beets and chard, as well as quinoa and amaranth (in seed form). It is native to central and southwestern Asia and has been cultivated widely within temperate and tropical regions.
It is known for its dark green, rosette crinkled soft leaves. It can be often found at farmers markets in bunches or loose leaves.
Spinach, like all green leafy veggie are high in iron, vitamin B, vitamin A (especially high in lutein).
Prepping and Eating Tips
– Always wash your spinach well before preparing and eating. Its grows right on the ground and its delicate crevices can collect a lot of dirt and sand. Its a good idea to do a quick rinse, then soak and swish in a bowl of cool water, followed by a quick rinse. Dry in a spinner, air dry or pat or roll around with a paper towel.
– Spinach can be enjoyed raw in salads, smoothies, juices.
– It’s a quick cooker so careful not to overcook. It can also be steamed, sauteed, added to stews and curries, baked into dips and casseroles.
Selecting and Storing Tips
Choose leaves and bunches free from wilt, dark slipperiness indicates decay of this fragile plant. Spinach’s nutritional value declines quite swiftly so in order to get the most out of your spinach, buy fresh and from as direct source as possible to insure freshness, then eat right away.
If you need to store, do not wash and store in your refrigerator’s veggie bin, it will keep up to 2-3 days. It also keeps well blanched and then frozen up to 6 months.