Spinach

Spinach is one vegetable available all year round. Spring is most likely the best time to get a fresh and tender supply of spinach. Have you ever tasted spinach, it is one of those things you either love it or you don't. Spinach has a slight bitter to metallic flavor.

Southwest Asia may have been the first place that spinach was cultivated and used. Middle East trade routes would took things through North Africa as well as Europe. An English cookbook from the fourteenth century was found to have a spinach recipe. Proof that it may have been spread via the route.

Spinach is a flowering plant and belongs to the family of Amaranthaceae. Spinach should be bought in large amounts as it has a high water content and will reduce to a small size when cooked. Spinach can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Spinach leaves should be washed in a sink full of lukewarm water. This will help to remove any trace of grit or chemicals. Water should be changed a couple of times, drain or dry in a salad spinner Any thick stems should be cut out.

One way to prepare spinach is to steam the leaves in water. In a large saucepan on medium eat cook leaves 5 to 10 minutes. Spinach can also be sauteed or microwaved. Spinach can be eaten raw in salads as well.


How do you like spinach prepared??