Spinach

Photo: flickr user voxtheory

About

Green leafy vegetable with small tender leaves that make excellent salad greens alone or mixed with other greens. Spinach provides a good source of iron and should be washed thoroughly and stems removed prior to eating.
Very high nutritional value. Particularly rich in iron, calcium, antioxidants and several vitamins (A, C, E, K and complex B).

Information

Other names: Baby Spinach, Palak, Savoy

Translations: Spināti, Špinatai, Spanac, Špinat, Rau bina, Szpinak, Spinazie, पालक, Espinafre, Шпинат, Σπανάκι, سبانخ, 시금치, Špenát, Спанаћ, 菠菜, Espinacs, Špinača, Špenát, Spinaci, תרד, Spenat, Bayam, ほうれん草, Épinards, Spinat, Spinat, Spinat, Espinacas, Шпинат, Pinaatti, Спанак

Physical Description

There are three different types of spinach generally available. Savoy has crisp, creased curly leaves that have a springy texture. Smooth-leaf has flat, unwrinkled, spade-shaped leaves, while semi-savoy is similar in texture to savoy but is not as crinkled in appearance. Baby spinach is great for use in salads owing to its taste and delicate texture.

Colors: Dark vibrant green, bright green

Tasting Notes

Flavors: sweet and savory, sometimes bitter sweet.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, Earthy

Food complements: Olives, Feta, Garlic, Tomatoes

Wine complements: Zinfandel, Blended red wine, Merlot

Beverage complements: Ginger ale, Lemonade

Substitutes: Swiss chard, Arugula

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Peak: march, april, may, september, opctober

Choosing: Choose spinach that has vibrant deep green leaves and stems with no signs of yellowing. The leaves should look fresh and tender, and not be wilted or bruised.

Buying: Available at all major grocers and farmers markets.

Preparation and Use

Great to use in salads.

Cleaning: Rinse lightly ad shake the leaves to remove any excess water.

Mature spinach may need to be submerged and swished in water 2-3 times, as spinach is grown in sandy soil.

Conserving and Storing

Store fresh spinach loosely packed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper where it will keep fresh for about five days. Do not wash it before storing as the moisture will cause it to spoil.
Cooked spinach doesn't store well.

Social/Political

History: Native of Asia, probably in Persia.

Author

Anonymous

Comments

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