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Spinach

Spinach is a super versatile nutrient powerhouse and fits perfectly into many cuisines. Whether you're in the mood for an easy spinach pasta, a spinach smoothie, or just want to be inspired, you’re in the right place. We’re sharing the best and easiest spinach recipes to give your kitchen a big dose of green!

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Fresh spinach, shapes and sizes

Did you know that there are different types of spinach? The most well-known is regular bunches of spinach are actually silverbeet or swiss chard, which is great for cooking. Baby spinach has smaller tender leaves that are delicious in a salad, sandwich or wrap.

Spinach is the star of countless dishes worldwide! Take, for example, Palak Paneer from India: a velvety spinach sauce with pieces of paneer (Indian cheese) that pairs beautifully with naan bread. Or how about the French favourite, Eggs Florentine? Poached eggs on a bed of spinach. And let’s not forget Spanakopita from Greece: crispy pastries filled with spinach and feta. Three completely different flavours, but all irresistible!

With washed spinach, you can get started right away – perfect if you want to make something delicious quickly. If you choose unwashed spinach, keep in mind that it often still has sand or dirt on it, so you’ll need to wash it thoroughly in cold water before using it.

Preparing spinach

Sauteed spinach

Grab a sauté pan with a lid and add the spinach, using a little oil if necessary. Turn the heat to medium-high and cover the pan. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the spinach has wilted, drain any excess liquid. For an extra flavour boost, add a small knob of butter and season with salt and pepper.

spinach cooked

Eating spinach raw

Raw spinach is delicious in salads, especially baby spinach, which consists of young, tender leaves with a small stem. Want to make a spinach smoothie? You can simply toss the whole raw leaves (washed) into the blender. Did you know that you can also use spinach to make pesto? Substitute fresh basil for spinach.

spinach raw

Stir fried spinach

Heat olive oil in the wok, add the spinach little by little and stir so that it cooks evenly.

Time: 3 minutes

stir fried spinach

Preparing frozen spinach

You can add frozen spinach directly to the pan without defrosting. Simply add the cubes to a wok or sauté pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.

Time: 4-6 minutes

You can safely reheat spinach

Make sure to cool the spinach after cooking and store it in the fridge quickly. This prevents bacteria from growing.

Buying and storing spinach

Fresh spinach should look firm and vibrant, without any bruises on the leaves. Spinach wilts during cooking, so for a warm dish, plan on 300 to 450 grams per person, and 80 grams for a salad. Once cooked, spinach can be stored in the fridge and best eaten within two days.

FAQ Spinach

FAQ Spinach

If you want to lose weight, eating spinach is a good choice. Spinach is made up of 92% water and contains about 26 calories per 100 grams, which means you can eat a lot of it without consuming many calories. In addition, spinach is rich in fibre, which can contribute to weight loss by making you feel satiated for longer.
Spinach is rich in vitamins such as vitamin K, A, C and folic acid, and minerals such as iron and calcium. It also contains antioxidants that are good for the eyes. Frozen spinach is harvested when it is ready for processing and is immediately blanched and frozen after being picked. This process helps to retain the nutrients.

Know your veg

Best flavour combinations Spinach tip Season
spinazie combineren

The best flavour combinations with spinach

  • Vegetables: avocado, mushrooms, pumpkin, tomato, sweet potato
  • Nuts, seeds, kernels: sesame seeds, pine nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios
  • Herbs and spices: garlic, nutmeg, pepper, curry, ginger
  • Fruits: grapes, lemon, mango, strawberries
  • Dairy: butter, cream, Parmesan, ricotta, feta, goat cheese, halloumi
  • Meat and fish: bacon, chicken, various types of fish
  • Others: eggs, soy sauce, mustard, chickpeas
Spinazie tip 4

Spinach tip

Spinach can affect your teeth, often causing a gritty or chalky feeling known as "spinach tooth." This happens because spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can combine with calcium in your saliva to form tiny, insoluble crystals of calcium oxalate. These crystals can create a film on your teeth, giving that unusual sensation. While this feeling can be a bit uncomfortable, it's not harmful to your teeth. If you want to reduce this effect, you can try adding a bit of lemon juice to your spinach dishes. The ascorbic acid in lemon juice can help dissolve some of the oxalic acid. 

spinach season

When is spinach in season?

Spinach is available year-round in Australia.