Season: March to June and September to December

Description: Spinach is a source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin A helps maintain eye health. Vitamin C helps protect skin from bruising, helps heal cuts and keeps gums healthy. Eating foods with vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Spinach also provides vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, potassium and fiber. Vitamin K, calcium and magnesium help build and maintain strong bones. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and fiber helps control cholesterol and keeps you regular. Spinach is also a source of folate, which may reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating foods with folate before pregnancy helps lower the risk of delivering a baby with neural tube defects.

Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Fiber, Folate

Selection: Choose dark green, fresh and tenders spinach leaves.

Storing: Refrigerate spinach in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.

Preparation: Wash well to remove any sand or dirt.

Serving: Add spinach to quiches, salads or pizza.

Recipes containing Spinach: