Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Wednesday's Helping: Spinach

Get on board with going green


This variety of green is commonly associated with Popeye (THE SAILOR MAN) who ate cans spinach to become strong and healthy. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is related to chard and beets. It’s believed to have originated in Persia. The United States and the Netherlands produce the most spinach in today’s world. This vegetable is in season from March through May and September through October. But frozen spinach is available year round. It has a slight green depth of flavor and saltiness. Fresh, raw spinach also has a mild sweetness. Cooked spinach becomes more acidic and brings out more spinach flavor. Look for three different types of spinach: savoy (springy and curly leafed), smooth / flat-leaf, and baby spinach. Consumers can find spinach sold fresh, canned, or frozen. Avoid slimy, bruised, or discolored leaves when selecting fresh spinach. The leaves are a rich source of vitamins K, A, and C. Consuming spinach may also preserve your eyesight because of lutein, an agent that helps prevent cataracts.

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