Spinach is an edible, flowering plant, native to central and southwestern Asia. A fun spinach fact: dishes made with spinach are refered to as “florentine” in honor of Catherine de’Medici, the Florence-born, 16th century queen of France who loved spinach so much that she insisted it be served at every meal! (Read more on Wikipedia.)
Storage Tips
Store unwashed spinach in a loosely closed plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Spinach is highly nutritious, containing exceptionally high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, calcium, and manganese. It is also considered to be a rich vegetarian source of iron. However, the iron found in spinach is not easily absorbed by the body, partly because absorption is inhibited by calcium and fiber. To increase the bioavailability of iron from spinach and other leafy greens, be sure to include a good amount of vitamin C in your meal (think tomatoes, peppers, apples, and other fruits). (See more spinach nutrition facts on Self.com.)
Seasonality
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct,
Recipes
Ash-e Reshteh (Iranian Noodle Soup)
Baby Greens with Roasted Beets and Potatoes
Baked Spinach Curry
Balsamic Roasted Butternut Squash & Mushrooms with Pasta
Basic Sauteed Leafy Greens
Butternut Squash and Chickpea Soup
Calaloo Pineapple Couscous
Calaloo Stew
Cheesy Kale, Spinach, Artichoke Dip
Chickpea and Greens Curry Soup
Curried Red Lentil Soup with Dandelion Greens
Fig, Walnut and Spinach Salad
Garlic Scape Potato Leek Soup
Grilled Corn and Nectarine Salad with Toasted Spice Vinaigrette
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich
Homemade Green Food Coloring
Kale Spinach and Pear Smoothie
Kid-friendly Brownies with Carrots and Spinach
Kid-Friendly Veggie Burgers
Kiwi-Banana “Cocktail” Smoothie
Lemon and Chives Spaghetti w/ Veggies
Lemon Basil Shrimp and Pasta
Parsnip Gnocchi with Walnut Dressing
Quick Callaloo Potato Stew
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beets, Chick Peas, and Orange
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Red, White and Bruschetta
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad w/ Cranberries & Pecans
Roasted Sunchoke Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Roasted Sweet Potato Pizza with Spinach & Caramelized Onions
Sauteed Spinach and Sprouts
Spinach Lasagna
Spinach Pesto Fusilli Pasta
Steamed Eggs in a Bed of Greens
Stromboli Three Ways
Sweet Potato Quesadillas
West Indian Beef Curry with Calaloo