B8 Dining The Epoch Times June 3 – 9, 2010
SPINACH: Rich in Taste and Antioxidants
By JENNIFER A. WICKES wilting, or bruising. Spices: Allspice, basil, cardamom, recipes will call for butter or cream
Storage: Store in a plastic bag in cayenne, chervil, coriander, mace, added to counteract the spinach fla-
Spinach originates from the Middle your refrigerator for 3 to 7 days. nutmeg, sesame seeds; as well as vor. Spinach may be steamed, sau-
East, most likely Persia or modern- Nutritional Qualities: Spinach is aged cheeses (Parmesan), chicken, téed, or braised. Please note that
day Iran. It was brought to Spain via filled with iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin noodles, garlic, onions, shallots, and when cooked, spinach will shrink
the Moors somewhere between A.D. C, and calcium. Spinach is excellent other dairy products. by 90 percent!
800 and 1200. Cultivation of spinach for cleansing, purifying, and restor- Equivalencies Fresh raw spinach is excellent in
began in the United States around ing balance to the intestines. Spin- 1 pound fresh = 10 cups; 1 1/2 salads. Younger spinach, which is
1806. ach also contains oxalic acid, which cups cooked smaller, has a more tender leaf.
Currently, California and Texas are prevents the body from absorbing 10 ounces frozen = 1 1/2 cups
the United States’ major producers. the iron and calcium in spinach. To cooked and drained spinach salad with warmed
increase the chances of your body’s Substitutions: When you want to balsamic vinaigrette
Varieties: There are three main va- absorption of iron, spinach should use more spinach in your diet, try 4 cups fresh spinach, washed to
rieties of spinach: be consumed with a Vitamin C- substituting spinach in recipes that remove grit
Savoy: curly, dark green leaves filled item, such as orange juice or call for turnip greens, beet greens, 1/2 red onion, sliced
Flat /smooth-leaved: typically tomatoes. kale, Mexican spinach, or New Zea- 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes
used for processed foods such Trivia: Spinach has long been land spinach. 1/2 cup walnuts
as canned, frozen, soups, and linked to prosperity. Eat spinach Also, try adding spinach to sand- 2 strips bacon
baby food and increase your chances of mak- wiches or tacos instead of lettuce! 2 tablespoons olive oil
Semi-Savoy: not as curly as the ing more money! Preparation: Due to the fact that 1/4 teaspoon salt SPINACH: When cooked, spinach will shrink by 90 percent! photos.com
Savoy The French term “a la florentine” spinach is grown in sandy soil, you 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Season: Spinach is available all in recipes indicates that the recipes need to wash it thoroughly in cool 1/8 teaspoon pepper
year long. have spinach as a major ingredient. water to remove all grit. 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper hummus
How to Select: Choose dark green Wine Pairings: Zinfandel Blanc, Cooking spinach causes it to have Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. 2 tortillas
leaves with no sign of yellowing, Pinot Grigio, and Chenin Blanc. a more acidic flavor; hence many Fry the bacon until crispy. Drain Combine the balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup spinach
on a paper towel. salt, pepper, sugar, basil, oregano, 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
Toss the tomatoes in a bowl with garlic powder, and onion powder 1/2 cup cucumber, cut into
the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic in a bowl. While whisking with one sticks
powder. Place on a baking sheet and hand, slowly pour the olive oil into the 1 green onion, chopped
roast for 20 minutes. balsamic vinegar mixture. Sesame seeds, toasted
Add the spinach, onion, walnuts, Heat the dressing in the micro-
cooled tomatoes, and crushed bacon wave for 30 seconds. In a small bowl, mix together the
in a bowl and toss. Toss with the spinach salad and rice and dressing, and set aside.
serve. Place tortillas on a cutting board
balsamic vinaigrette and cut in half. Spread some hum-
Makes 4 servings Veggie Wraps mus onto each tortilla half, and di-
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Makes 2 servings (or 4 snack-sized vide rice mixture among the halves.
3/4 cup olive oil servings) Dampen your hands with water and
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 1 1/2 cups white or brown rice, spread rice evenly over tortilla. Top
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder cooked with carrots, spinach, cucumbers,
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 3 tablespoons Ranch-style and onions. Carefully, roll each tor-
1/8 teaspoon dried basil dressing tilla half into a cone. Sprinkle with
1/8 teaspoon onion powder 3 tablespoons prepared toasted sesame seeds.
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