Horti Tops® Spinach Securo, Resistoflay Impr.

Spinach Securo, Resistoflay Impr. (Spinacia oleracea)

The Nutrient-Dense Superstar

Spinach packs more nutrients per calorie than almost any other vegetable. It provides iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K in significant amounts. The folate content is excellent for pregnant women. And unlike some vegetables that lose nutrients when cooked, spinach actually becomes more nutritious – cooking breaks down oxalic acid that can interfere with mineral absorption.

The Volume Problem (and Solution)

Fresh spinach cooks down dramatically – what looks like an enormous pile becomes a small serving. A good rule: for cooked spinach, start with at least 3-4 times the volume you want to end up with. For four servings, start with about 500 grams of fresh leaves.

Quick sauté method: Heat a large pan with olive oil and garlic. Add spinach by the handful, letting each addition wilt before adding more. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Total cooking time: 2-3 minutes.

Beyond the Basics

Spinach in smoothies: Raw spinach blends invisibly into fruit smoothies, adding nutrition without affecting flavor. Start with a handful and work up.

Creamed spinach: Sauté spinach, then add cream, Parmesan, nutmeg, and garlic. Rich, decadent, and impossible to resist.

Spanakopita filling: Combine cooked spinach with feta, dill, and egg. Wrap in phyllo for the classic Greek pie.

Indian saag: Blend cooked spinach with spices, ginger, and cream for an authentic curry experience.

Growing Tips for Tender Leaves

Spinach bolts (goes to seed) quickly in hot weather, becoming bitter. Grow it in spring and fall when temperatures are cool. Choose slow-bolt varieties for longer harvests. Harvest outer leaves first, letting the center continue producing, or cut the whole plant when young for baby spinach.

Fun fact: Popeye the Sailor helped increase American spinach consumption by 33% in the 1930s. However, the famous claim about spinach iron content was based on a decimal error from 1870 – spinach has normal iron levels, not ten times more than other vegetables!

Growing Spinach Securo, Resistoflay Impr.