Harvest of the Month: Spinach

In busy times, one of the best ways to care for ourselves is by nourishing the mind, body and spirit with healthy foods. Spinach is a perfect winter wellness food because it contains vitamins and minerals that help us stay energized. Plus, its mild taste will likely go unnoticed in smoothies and flavor-rich foods. Make merry memories with our wholesome recipes and learn more about the jolly-good benefits of spinach.

Spinach is high in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps us better absorb iron when consumed with iron-rich foods. Iron helps carry oxygen from the lungs to the body, a process that is essential for helping us maintain our energy and focus. We call spinach a “superfood” because it contains many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, potassium, folate and magnesium.

Select spinach with crisp, dark green leaves. If you buy the spinach in a bag or container, store it in your refrigerator until the printed expiration date. If your spinach is not already packaged or bagged, wrap it in paper towels, place it in a seal-tight container and store it in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to 10 days. You can freeze any spinach you don’t use in time.

Check out these nutritious recipes:

• Sauteed Spinach with Crispy Garlic
• Spinach Smoothie
• Spinach and Mushroom Casserole