Florida Has a Niche for Spinach
Florida spinach is a healthy, leafy, green treat produced fresh for us to eat! Spinach provides a great source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. These fat free greens help to prevent blood clotting and maintain strong, healthy bones!
Spinach is grown in North, Central, and South Florida. You can find fresh from Florida spinach in season during March and April. Spinach is planted in North and Central Florida from October-November and in South Florida from October- January. This makes sense because spinach is a cool season vegetable and is one of the most cold-tolerant veggies grown in the South! Several different varieties of spinach are grown in Florida, including Melody 3, Tyee, Bloomsdale Longstanding, Space, and Malabar Spinach.
When shopping for fresh spinach in the grocery store you should look for a vegetable with dark green, crisp leaves. To keep your spinach fresh, it is best to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This vegetable is best when eaten within about three days of purchasing. You should always wash your spinach before preparing it by running it under cold water to remove any sand or grit!
Spinach is a great vegetable not only for its health benefits, but also because of its versatility! You can find spinach fresh, frozen, and canned. This veggie can be eaten raw in a salad or on a sandwich, sautéed, steamed, or blanched. As spinach has a fairly neutral flavor, it pairs well with garlic, lemon, and just about any other vegetable or protein.
For your enjoyment, try out a delicious spinach recipe courtesy of Fresh From Florida.
Did You Know?
· Spinach grow super quickly! It can be harvested and ready to eat in only 37 to 45 days!
· National Spinach Day is on March 26th, so make sure to pick up some fresh from Florida spinach to celebrate!
Content courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services and Fresh From Florida.
Information compiled by: Avianna Liuzzo