With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Seasonal Eats: Time for Spinach!
Heirloom Spinach at the Farmer's Market (Heather Parlato/LAist)
()
Spinach isn't necessarily a winter green, but in temperate winter areas like southern California, we get to enjoy it now. The spinach above is an heirloom variety that is quite toothy and probably best steamed or sautéed, but we also have sellers at the Hollywood Farmer's Market who specialize in young leafy varieties that are great for salads. Here are some great buying tips and preparation ideas.
Spinach is one of the edible flowering plants in the Amaranth family, and is thought to have originated in Persia, spread through Asia and was then traded to Mediterranean countries in the 10th century. Spinach is rich in antioxidants and retains them after light cooking or steaming. Though it's known for being rich in iron and calcium, it also contains oxalate, which can bind to both the iron and calcium, making it unavailable to the consumer. You can increase your iron absorption by eating foods rich in Vitamin C with your spinach. Adding to that, spinach is also mildly anti-inflammatory and has a glycemic load of 0. It's is a good source of Niacin and Zinc, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.
5 ways to enjoy spinach this season:
Ever heard of a breakfast salad? I had one at a restaurant recently and decided to recreate it at home.
Support for LAist comes from
Mix spinach into dips for your appetizer spread. How about a spinach gunge or this super green goddess spinach dip.
Blend spinach into your soups this season. Try out spinach and green garlic soup or three greens soup with spinach gremolata.
Try out Sephardic Spinach Patties for a tasty Passover treat.
Make your own sag paneer from scratch, right down to the cheese!
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
Best of LAist