Veg in Focus
SPINACH in focus
THE GREEN QUEEN OF IRON
FUN FACTS
IN SEASON: March – August
LATIN NAME: Spinacia oleracea
GOOD SOURCE OF: Iron, vitamin K, vitamin A and folate
LOOK FOR: Larger leaves, medium to dark green in colour, with a smooth surface and no wilted edges
TYPES: Tyee, Catalina, Teton, Space, Red Cardinal and more
Spinach is loaded with nutrients and vitamins, so much so, that it’s been awarded ‘superfood’ status. It’s one of the best sources of dietary magnesium and contains approximately 250mg of calcium per cup – proving that you definitely don’t need dairy to get strong bones. But, what would spinach be without its impressive iron levels? It’s estimated by the British Dietetic Association that 100g of boiled spinach contains a generous 1.6mg of iron – so it’s no surprise Popeye turned to it!