October’s Seasonal Food is Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) belongs to the same family as beets and chard. Spinach is thought to have originated in south western Asia or Persia as a wild plant. It has been cultivated in China and many areas of Asia and the middle east for at least 2,000 years. A one cup serving of spinach has only 41 calories, but it very nutrient dense. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, carotenes, vitamin C and folic acid

Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked. It is quick to cook, using just a small amount of water to boil. When cooked both spinach and chard wilt down considerably. Chard can be cooked in a similar way, but the stems need longer cooking than the leaves.

Spinach can be used in lots of recipes including soups, quiches, curries, pates and soufflés.

Why not try one of tasty seasonal recipes:

Fresh Spinach Soup

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