Spinach
This classic tender green is easy to slide into almost any meal with barely any prep. Spinach is a superfood is packed vitamins and minerals and is never a bad idea to add to any meal.
Flavor profile: It's incredibly mild and not at all bitter, it has a slightly salty flavor due to its high potassium content
When it’s in season: Spinach is a cool weather crop that does best in the spring and fall but you won't see it much during the heat of summer
Uses: You can put it in almost anything! Toss it in a salad or soup, blend it into a smoothie, or sauté it with sesame oil and soy sauce. It’s also wonderful in pasta dishes, casseroles, and who doesn’t love a creamy spinach and artichoke dip?!
Pairs with: Fruits like berries, apples, and pears in spinach salads for a sweet contrast. And dairy products like feta or parmesan cheese, cream, and yogurt complement spinach in dishes such as spanakopita, creamed spinach, and spinach dip. And of course alliums like garlic or shallots to boost its savory flavor!
Storage: Fresh spinach should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in a plastic bag or container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. It can last for about 5-7 days.
**To freeze it, blanch spinach by boiling it briefly and then plunging it into ice water. Drain and squeeze well, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Nutrients: Spinach is truly a superfood. It's rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, calcium, antioxidants and more! We could go on and on.
Why it's a great crop: Spinach is a tried and true green that can go into nearly every cuisine and is an easy way to add nutrients to any meal. It's versatile, easy to prep, and never a bad vegetable to have around.