Now, I know that this Ingredient of the Month is probably not new to you. We’ve all had our fair share of spinach artichoke dips and spinach salads…which are, of course, delicious.
I really love spinach as a winter green that you can eat as is, as well as throw into almost any dish.
I’ve also been seeing some unique types of spinach around the farmers market, so there’s plenty to explore with this versatile green.
Tell me more:
Spinach is a leafy green that is a good source of all types of vitamins, fiber, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, and the list goes on. It can grow in cooler temperatures (as in the winter months), and it has a hearty round leaf.
There are several types of spinach, including savoy (crinkly leaves), smooth or flat leaf, and semi-savoy. You might also see baby spinach, a smaller spinach leaf, in your grocery store. There are also other Asian varieties of spinach, like Chinese spinach (which can vary in size and shape).
Where do I buy it:
You can buy spinach anywhere from your local farmers market (often in big bags) to your grocery store, bagged, boxed, frozen or fresh.
Where do I store it:
Pre-washed spinach can be stored in the fridge with a paper towel in the container or bag with it to keep moisture from getting in and allow it to last longer.
Non-washed spinach can be refrigerated in a bag with lined with a paper towel. Don’t wash it until you’re ready to use it to keep it fresh longer.
Frozen spinach stays in the freezer until you’re ready to defrost and use. (Defrost by letting come to room temperature or rinsing and draining.)
How do I use it:
Oh my…there are so many great ways to use spinach. From smoothies to salads to lasagna to soup, the possibilities really are endless.
Here are some of my favorite ways:
- In a stir fry (chopped or whole and thrown in at the end)
- In mac and cheese (or take boxed mac and cheese to another level by throwing chopped spinach in at the cheese sauce stage)
- In a lasagna with lots of cheese
- Thrown in a peanut butter oat smoothie
- Sauteed with garlic and oil as a side
- In this Spinach Artichoke Dip or this one
- Make a salad and top it with almost anything from fruit to bacon and avocado
- This spinach gratin
- In this Chickpea Spinach Curry
- On a homemade pizza
- In a super healthy soup
Put spinach on your grocery list and dream of the possibilities!
