Other Than Popeye, Cook the Spinach Like This, and You Will Preserve All Its Properties

When we think of spinach, the first thing that comes to mind is Popeye. From our early years, our moms encouraged us to eat this vegetable, saying, “It’ll make you as strong as Popeye.” Even though it was a cartoon, the health benefits of spinach are real and well-established.

Spinach is among the most versatile, flavorful, and nutritious vegetables on the market. It’s loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Spinach stands out for its role in bolstering the immune system, thanks to the presence of vitamins A, C, folic acid, zinc, and selenium. It’s also an abundant source of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect our bodies from damage caused by free radicals.

Knowing how to choose spinach is not easy, and we often ask ourselves whether buying it fresh or frozen is better. First of all, you need to know that vegetables should always be purchased fresh. It is natural that in winter, when they are out of season, to be able to consume them anyway, we are forced to take them frozen. Keep in mind that frozen spinach doesn’t quite match the properties and flavor of fresh ones but still offers a healthy choice.

How to cook spinach to preserve its qualities best

How you cook spinach matters because it impacts its nutritional value. Overcooking or subjecting it to high heat can break down many nutrients. On the other hand, undercooking might not eliminate unwanted substances like oxalates, which can hinder the absorption of some nutrients. Balancing the cooking time is critical to preserving spinach’s goodness and flavour.

Frozen spinach should be cooked before consumption, whether by steaming or boiling. After cooking, remember to squeeze out the excess water from the spinach to enhance the texture and flavor since it has a high water content.

For fresh spinach, start by thoroughly washing them to eliminate any impurities and dirt. Next, cook them in boiling water for just 2 or 3 minutes to preserve their nutritional qualities. After cooking, drain them in cold water, and you can then season them to your liking with some oil, salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!