Welcome to our weekly series where we’ll let you know what fruit and vegetables are market fresh this week, give you handy storage tips and recipes to make the most of seasonal produce.
Popeye wasn’t alone – just about everyone on the planet loves the taste of spinach.
This leafy green features in just about every cuisine and was first cultivated in Persia before being introduced to Europe by Arab traders in the 13th Century.
Spinach partners well with dairy products particularly cheese – in the Middle East and Greece, it is often teamed with feta or halloumi, while Italians combine it with ricotta or Parmesan.
When buying spinach, look for bright green, crisp and fresh-smelling leaves with thin, firm stems. Avoid yellowing, wilted or slimy leaves as these indicate spoilage; check for excessive insect or environmental damage as well.
To keep this vegetable fresh, store it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, preferably in its original packaging or wrapped in paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Seal the spinach in an airtight container or bag to prevent ethylene gas from other fruit or vegetables affecting its freshness.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze spinach, either after washing and chopping it or after blanching. It will last for up to six months in the freezer.
Spinach is nutrient rich offering numerous health benefits, including improved vision, heart health and bone strength. It also supports immune function, digestive health and may even help with weight management.
Packed with antioxidants, spinach can also help protect your body against damage from free radicals, while its soluble fibre may help regulate blood sugar levels, beneficial for those with diabetes.
Here are three recipes to put fresh and in-season spinach on the table this week:
This veggie-packed take on a classic pie is full of flavour and wholesome goodness. It’s perfect for family dinners and picnics. The flaky filo pastry crust is always a hit with the kids and they’ll never notice all the green stuff!
Dinner is ready in a flash with this easy hot pot recipe. Full of rich tomato flavour, honey beef sausages and baby spinach, it’s a tasty and warming weeknight option. Give it a go!
Bursting with mouth-watering flavours, this pork belly yakitori recipe comes together with just five ingredients and in only 30 minutes.
