Spinach - Fresh from the Garden

Spinach! Stuart spills "the dirt" on getting strong & healthy.

Is it true that sailors have more fun? I'll never tell! But I will tell you this. I do love spinach!

Cousin of the leafy beet, spinach is another nutritious, mild well-known green. It originated in Persia (how exotic!) and has been cultivated for 2000 years or more.

Spinach was introduced to Europe more recently (about 900 years ago), where it quickly gained popularity, spreading readily. It thrives in cool spring and fall temperatures here in the US.

There's no better spokesman for the powers of spinach than Popeye the Sailor, who credits spinach as the source of his legendary strength. Popeye had something there. Spinach is quite the nutritional powerhouse!

Historically, spinach was known for restoring energy and vitality and replenishing the blood.

Spinach is very low in calories and high in nutrients. You've gotta love that combination nearly as much as Popeye does! It's an excellent source of Vitamins K and C, carotenes, folic acid, iron, and a number of other nutrients.

Spinach is utilized in the body as an alkaline and is helpful in regulating body pH. It is also useful in promoting healthy eyes and good vision and protects against cancer. It contains at least thirteen different antioxidant compounds!

Spinach is generally regarded as having neutral energy.

Please see your health provider for guidance on your own health program.

Please wash your spinach! It's ever-so-easy for little bits of dirt or sand to get stuck on the leaves. Break off the bottom at the stem area, and swish the leaves in fresh water. Continue changing out fresh water until no sand or dirt remains in the bottom of the sink or bowl.

Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked. For fresh use in a salad, spin or pat dry spinach after washing. If cooking, just pop the damp spinach in a pan over low heat and steam or stir-fry in a little olive oil. Spinach wilts a lot when cooked, so be generous with your serving size.

Spinach — Try this: Wash spinach, then chop and stir-fry in a little heated olive oil. When spinach has wilted, pour over 1-2 beaten eggs per serving and scramble together until the eggs are set. Sprinkle over some feta cheese crumbles, stir in, and allow to sit until the cheese is warmed through. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Makes a tasty brunch or light supper. Great with a side of breakfast potatoes!