Get The Dish Here - May 26

[Shalbrihil]

Spring Vegetables: Spinach


Though not guaranteed to give you superstrength, spinach is rich in many nutrients including beta-carotene, folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin K. Spinach is abundantly available year-round, but its peak is after the winter months. Enjoy spinach on all Phases of The South Beach Diet™, whether raw in a salad, steamed or sautéed as a side dish, or as part of a healthy entree.

Buying: Spinach can be purchased either loose or in bags. Quality control is easier to judge with loose spinach, but we often reach for the bags for convenience. When choosing spinach, look for green, undamaged leaves. Avoid those with yellow spots, wilted parts, or a sour smell. Leaves with thinner stems will typically be more sweet and tender. Bagged spinach should be springy when squeezed.

Storing: Keep spinach in its original bag in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Wilted spinach can be cooked down or discarded according to your preferences. Spinach should never be washed before storing. Otherwise, it will begin to wilt within a day.

Preparing: Before cooking, wash carefully — the leaves tend to gather grit. Some bags come prewashed, but you may want to give them another dip just to make sure. To wash properly, drop them into a bowl of cool water and stir gently with your hands. The grit will sink to the bottom, at which time you can scoop up the leaves and towel dry. There are a variety of ways to cook spinach: It can be sautéed with a little olive oil and garlic, steamed over boiling water for five to ten minutes, or steamed in the microwave. Enjoy!

[zeraspride]

Yumm. I haven't had spinach in the longest time. I'm not sure why because I really like it. Once again Sharon, you share the best tips with us! Thanks!!!!