How to Prepare Spinach

Select fresh spinach. Choose fresh, dark green spinach bunches from the supermarket produce section or local markets. Avoid spinach with yellow, wilted, or damaged leaves. Fresh spinach lasts longer when stored properly. In grocery stores, spinach is often sold pre-washed and sealed in bags. In markets, it is typically sold in large bunches.

• The most common type of spinach has smooth, flat leaves that are easy to clean.
• Savoy spinach is more heat-resistant but has deeply crinkled leaves, making it harder to clean dirt and debris trapped in the folds.
• Baby spinach is harvested 15-20 days after planting, while regular spinach is harvested after 45-60 days. Baby spinach has tender leaves and is perfect for salads, while mature spinach is best for cooking.

Store spinach in a plastic bag and refrigerate. Spinach can stay fresh for up to 3 days using this method. For pre-packaged spinach, ensure the bag is tightly sealed after opening to maintain freshness. Avoid washing or drying the leaves until you're ready to use them, as this can cause wilting.

Remove the stems from the spinach leaves. If the leaves are still attached to thick stems, use a knife or scissors to trim them. A vegetable knife works best for this task. While spinach stems are edible, they tend to be tough and less flavorful compared to the tender leaves.

Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Dirt on the leaves can make the spinach appear unclean. Even pre-washed spinach should be rinsed for safety. For supermarket spinach, this step can be skipped if unnecessary. Follow these steps to clean spinach:

• Separate the spinach leaves.
• Divide the leaves and stems if desired, though some prefer to keep the stems.
• Place the leaves in a bowl of water, rinse each leaf, and replace the water.
• Repeat until all dirt is removed.

Dry the spinach. Allow the spinach to dry before cooking. You can place it in a colander and wait for 10 minutes or use paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Be gentle to avoid damaging the leaves. Once dry, cook the spinach immediately to prevent wilting.

Boil spinach. The simplest way to prepare spinach is by boiling it. You can enjoy boiled spinach on its own or use it as a base for creamed dishes. Follow these steps to boil spinach:

• Add spinach to a pot of boiling water.
• Boil for 3-5 minutes.
• Remove and drain the water.
• Optional: Submerge the spinach in ice water to "shock" it and retain its vibrant green color, then drain again.
• Plate the spinach and drizzle with olive oil.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Sauté spinach. Sautéing is one of the most popular methods for cooking spinach. You’ll need 2 bunches of spinach, olive oil, 2 sliced garlic cloves (optional), salt, and pepper. Follow these steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Sauté garlic for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
• Add one bunch of spinach and cook for 1 minute until wilted. Use tongs to toss the spinach.
• Add the second bunch and cook for 2-3 minutes until fully wilted.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make creamed spinach. Creamed spinach is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with steak, chicken, or other meats. You’ll need: 700g spinach, 1 stick of butter, 8 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 medium diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups of milk, salt, and pepper. Follow these steps:

• Melt butter in a pan.
• Whisk in flour until combined.
• Cook the flour-butter mixture over medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another minute.
• Pour in milk and stir for 5 minutes.
• In a separate pan, sauté spinach (without garlic).
• Season the cream sauce with salt and pepper, then mix in the spinach.
• Stir gently until the spinach and sauce are well combined.

Bake spinach. Baked spinach is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s both rich and delicious. You’ll need: 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 packages of spinach, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup milk, 5 tablespoons grated cheese, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Follow these steps:

• Sauté onions in butter for 2-3 minutes until soft.
• Add spinach, milk, and cream.
• Remove from heat.
• Mix in 4 tablespoons of cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
• Transfer the mixture to a 10 cm x 10 cm x 3 cm baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered at 175°C for 40-45 minutes or until the cheese turns golden brown.

Prepare spinach and strawberry salad. This simple and nutritious salad requires no cooking. You’ll need: 1 bag of spinach, 10 fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup crushed almonds, 1/2 medium red onion (chopped), balsamic vinegar, olive oil, 3 tablespoons sugar, salt, and pepper. Follow these steps:

• Finely chop the red onion.
• Slice strawberries into quarters.
• Combine onion, strawberries, almonds, and spinach in a bowl.
• Whisk together 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.

Spinach salad with figs and feta cheese. This sweet salad is perfect for summer dinners, picnics, or as a side dish. Simply mix the following ingredients: 1 bag of spinach, 1/2 cup diced or crumbled feta cheese, 10-15 figs (quartered), 1/2 cup pecans, and 1 cup grapes. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or blueberry vinaigrette if desired, and your sweet salad is ready.

Prepare a spinach smoothie. Spinach can add a delicious twist to any fruit smoothie. To make a spinach smoothie, blend spinach with your favorite ingredients. Here’s a recipe for a spinach and pear smoothie:

• 1 1/2 cups water or coconut water
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 ripe pear (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon flaxseed powder
• 1 teaspoon honey

Complete.