Spinach The Good Green

By now you’re probably sick of being told to eat your spinach. Yet this leafy green is not only good for you but is also tasty and a great addition to any meal. It’s one of the most versatile too. It can go into a cold salad or hot dish. You can eat it for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. It can be served so many different ways that you’ll never grow tired of it.


The plant is one of the oldest. It was first cultivated in India and Persian and brought to Europe and Asia through Muslim traders and invaders. It is still a popular ingredient in Indian cooking and is the base for many of their vegetable dishes. Spinach made its' way into Muslim Spain around the 11th Century and became popular in European cooking. It was a favorite of Catherine de Medici who brought it from Northern Italy into French cuisine when she married the French king Henri IV. Spinach is a member of the Amaranthaceae family and is a cousin to chard. It does flower however its’ the leaves that are edible and widely used. Spinach is an excellent source of iron however it's not absorbed into the body unless it’s eaten with Vitamin C The leaves are also a good source of calcium as well along with Vitamins A,B, K and magnesium.

Spinach is also versatile. There’s nothing like a good spinach salad at lunch. You can add bacon and chopped hard boiled egg to it along with a simple vinaigrette dressing. Another easy dish is a spinach omelet made with freshly sautéed leaves. Just sprinkle in a dash of Parmesan cheese for more zip. This holiday season make creamed spinach as a great side to your turkey or ham. Add a teaspoon of nutmeg and a few pats of butter for a richer, slightly spicier flair.

Spinach is a great addition to any diet. It’s not only good for you but fits in well with your plans. Serve it cold in a delicious and refreshing salad or warm as a great side to any meat. It truly is a good green.