By Eliza Short, Communications Coordinator for Jackson In Action
As winter continues to transition into spring, we can start to think about summer gardens and fresh produce. This year, try to grow a few vegetables on your own as a fun family activity! One cool weather crop to try is spinach. This fresh and crisp leafy vegetable is packed with vitamins A & C, fiber, iron, folate, and magnesium. Spinach can be used in a variety of ways, including raw in salads, steamed, blanched, sautéed or even microwaved.
In coordination with Jackson In Action Coalition, Black River Memorial Hospital is highlighting spinach in their monthly Harvest of the Month Initiative. Come to Black River Memorial Hospital on Thursday, April 14th from 11:30am-12:30pm, to sample the spinach salad recipe featured below with Registered Dietitian Ruth Lahmayer Chipps. Below, you can also find a few extra tips on how to sneak spinach into meals you may already make!
How Can I Eat More Spinach?
1. Add chopped spinach and other greens into your favorite soup or stew recipe. For cream-based soups, blend spinach in a food processor before adding.
2. Add spinach to your favorite smoothie recipe!
3. To enhance your breakfast, try sautéing spinach with other vegetables and add to an omelet.
4. Add cooked or fresh chopped spinach to pasta dishes or pizza.
5. Make a fresh baby spinach salad with strawberries, pecans, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
Featured Recipe: Spinach Nova Scotia Salad
Ingredients:
- Washed fresh spinach for 2 (approx. 2 cups)
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, sliced thin
- ¼ lb. Cheddar Cheese, cut ¼” x ¾”
- 2 hardboiled eggs
- 2 slices crisp bacon (can use low salt turkey bacon)
- 2 oz. smoked turkey cut into bit sized pieces
- ¼ cup thin sliced purple onion
Dressing:
- ¼ cup no sugar maple syrup
- ½ cup Light Mayonnaise
Directions: Mix the spinach, apple, onion and cheddar cheese. Mix the dressing separately and toss with the salad. Cut eggs in fourths and place on top. Top with cut up crisp bacon, turkey and onion. Serve with a whole grain roll and fresh fruit. Makes 3 servings.