Superstar Spinach
Anna Glasgow
Garden Senior Specialist
Jasmine Cordell-Armstrong
Health Educator
Popeye ate spinach to grow strong. Though the real-life results of eating spinach aren’t so fantastical, spinach contains nutrients that keep bodies healthy. Spinach grows for the entirety of the cold season, making it a great addition to any home garden. Our expert educators show how to harvest spinach, when to grow it, and how to make a nutritious green tropical smoothie.
Planting seasons may vary depending on your planting zone. Because the Poe Center is located in central North Carolina, we plant in Zone 8B. To find your planting zone, go to https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
Spinach is grown for the entirety of the cold season which varies based on your planting zone. However, it does go to seed, or bolt, in the middle of the cold season. This requires a mid-season plant rotation in the garden. It also may bolt if it is not harvested consistently. Harvesting regularly also encourages new growth which means there will be more harvest to enjoy.
Spinach contains vitamins A, K, and C. These vitamins in spinach help your body maintain eye health, keep strong bones, and boost your immune system. Try out the Tropical Green Smoothie recipe to enjoy fresh spinach.
Tropical Green Smoothie
Serves: 2
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Equipment: blender or food processor, spatula or spoon
Ingredients
1 container of coconut flavored greek yogurt
⅓ cup frozen pineapple
⅓ cup frozen mango
½ banana
1-2 handfuls of fresh spinach leaves (sub 1 cup frozen spinach)
1 cup pineapple mango juice -or- coconut water (use low fat milk for a creamier smoothie!)
Instructions:
- Add Greek yogurt, pineapple, mango, banana, fresh spinach, and liquid into a blender and pulse until smooth.
- Enjoy cold!
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