SPINACH
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), of the Amaranthaceae family, is a leafy green that thrives in cooler temperatures! It has been deemed a “superfood” due to it’s nutritional content, and is loved by chefs and home cooks alike due to it’s versatility. We have this iron-packed green almost year round thanks to our greenhouses!
In season: Late March to December
Nutritional value: Popeye was onto something! Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K1, in addition to minerals like iron, calcium, and folic acid. It also contains beneficial plant compounds such as lutein, zeaxanthin, nitrates, and quercetin. Note that if you’re prone to kidney stones, you should keep your Spinach intake to a minimum due to their calcium and oxalate content!
Storage tips: Spinach stores best unwashed in a sealed container or plastic bag. Spinach is a more fragile green, so we recommend using it within a couple days of purchasing. As with our other leafy greens, the crisper drawer of your refrigerator is your friend! You can also wash, pat dry, and freeze Spinach for future use in soups and smoothies!
Culinary uses: Spinach is a versatile powerhouse in commercial and home kitchens! Use Spinach the way you would any other leafy green — steam, sauté, braise, add it to soups, eat it raw or massaged! We personally love it in a smoothie or munch on it straight from the field!
