Spinach

Spinach

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable in the family Amaranthaceae. It is known for its tender leaves and high nutritional value. Spinach is native to central and western Asia but is now cultivated worldwide.

Starting Spinach Plants

To start spinach plants:

1. Sow seeds directly outdoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area for spring planting, or 6-8 weeks before the first frost date for fall planting
2. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows
3. Keep soil moist but not soggy
4. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart when they have their first set of true leaves

Spinach can also be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date and transplanted outdoors after hardening off.

Harvesting Spinach

Spinach is typically ready to harvest 30-45 days after sowing, depending on the variety. To harvest:

• Pick individual outer leaves as needed, allowing the center of the plant to continue growing
• Use scissors or a knife to cut the leaves at the base of the stem
• Harvest regularly to encourage continued production
• Spinach plants will continue to produce leaves for several weeks, but they may bolt (produce flowers and go to seed) in hot weather.

Saving Spinach Seeds

To save seeds from spinach:

1. Allow the plant to bolt and produce seed stalks
2. Wait for the seed stalks to turn brown and dry on the plant
3. Cut the seed stalks from the plant and place them in a paper bag
4. Allow the stalks to dry completely indoors for 1-2 weeks
5. Crush the dried stalks to release the seeds
6. Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place

Common Spinach Varieties

Some commonly grown spinach varieties include:

• Bloomsdale: Crinkled, dark green leaves with a tender texture and excellent flavor
• Tyee: Smooth, dark green leaves with an upright growth habit; slow to bolt
• Space: Smooth, dark green leaves with a fast growth rate; ideal for baby leaf production
• New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides): Not a true spinach, but a warm-season substitute with similar flavor and texture

Uses as Food

Spinach is a versatile ingredient in many dishes:

• Used raw in salads or smoothies
• Sautéed, stir-fried, or added to soups and stews
• Steamed or braised as a side dish
• Used as a filling for pasta, quiches, and pastries
• Blended into dips like spinach artichoke dip
• Spinach is known for its high nutritional value, being rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and folate. It also contains antioxidants and nitrates, which may have potential health benefits.