Spinach
Unknown in Europe, spinach was first introduced in
Spain by the Arabs and then made its way across the borders. In the
Middle-Ages, pressed fresh or cooked spinach balls were prepared
and sold under the name ''espinoche''.
Catherine de Médicis so loved spinach that she always kept the
Italian cook she had hired when she lived in Florence so that she
could have her favourite meal of spinach with sauce, what we now
call spinach Florentine!
Spinach grows in most temperate regions; it is harvested when still very young and tender, before it begins to flower. Depending on the varieties, spinach leaves can be crumpled or flat, oval, round or triangular and very dark green.
- Choose tender, fresh-looking spinach with dark green leaves that show no yellowing.
- Wash spinach thoroughly by swishing leaves in cold water to remove any sand; do not soak. Wash spinach just before use to keep them fresh and tender.
- Remove stems of fleshier spinach, baby spinach stems do not have to be removed.
- Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked.
- Raw spinach is delicious in salads or in sandwiches.
- Cook spinach on high heat in a covered casserole for two minutes with butter or oil and a little bit of water; as a rule the water left from washing the leaves is sufficient.
- To enhance the taste of spinach, sprinkle with fresh lemon juice.
- Spinach is delicious in omelettes, soufflés and quiches; it is often used as stuffing with veal, poultry and fish.
- To prepare crispy Asian-style spinach, wash leaves and dry them well. Deep-fry in oil for 30 seconds, drain and sprinkle with icing sugar. Be careful, it will spatter! Do not re-use the oil.
 Medley of Bean Sprouts, Soba Noodles, Baby Spinach, Sesame and Smoked Salmon |
 Poached Cod with Spinach |
 Spinach and Ham Risotto |
 Cheddar- and Spinach-Topped Grilled T-Bone Steak |
 Spinach Delight |
Spinach is available year-round in your METRO supermarket.
Very low in energy, raw spinach is a good source of folic acid, vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium and iron.
Stored in a perforated plastic bag, spinach will keep for five to seven days in the refrigerator.