Produce Briefs...
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Fresh spinach is available year round with a peak season in April and May.
Current Facts
There are three types of spinach: Savoy, semi Savoy and flat-leafed. The Savoy has crinkled leaves and is the primary commercial type. Semi-Savoy has partially crinkled leaves and is most often processed but can also be found in markets. Flat-leafed is mainly processed.
Description/Taste
Spinach is a leafy green producing succulent, dark green, spoon-shaped leaves. Spinach is offers a subtle, yet assertive "green vegetable" flavor often with iron or metallic notes.
Nutritional Value
An excellent source of antioxidants, spinach has four times the beta carotene of broccoli. High in lutein, nutrients in spinach help lower blood cholesterol. It also contains carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron and folic acid. For best nutritional value, eat raw or slightly cooked.
Applications
Spinach can be eaten fresh or cook and stands up well to heat, baking and sauteing. Use as a salad leaf or as a dark, leafy green. Pair with spring vegetables, citrus, berries, eggs, nuts, bacon, pasta, and fresh cheeses. Flavor with Indian or Middle Eastern spices, creams, ginger, garlic, shallots, chiles and soy. Spinach will keep, dry and refrigerated, for one to two weeks.
Geography/History
A cultivated plant, spinach, of the genus Spinacia oleracea, is native to, or close to, Persia. It later went to Spain with the invading Moors around 1100-1200 A.D. Preferring cool temperatures, sandy soil and some dryness, spinach grows well in California and Texas.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Lux Catering | Encinitas CA | 760-710-7057 |
| Marine Room | San Diego CA | 858-551-4676 |
| Gina Demangos | San Diego CA | 858-581-1460 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Ariccia Italian Market | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7675 |
| Sea Rocket Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-255-7049 |
| Donovan's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-450-6666 |
| Misha Cafe & Juice Bar | San Diego CA | 619-795-3488 |
| Azucar | San Diego CA | 619-523-2020 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Delta Gamma | San Diego CA | 916 847 9896 |
| Victoria Mahdion | San Diego CA | 619-987-3304 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-436-5236 |
| Donovan's Downtown | (619)-237-9700 | |
| PH Miracle Inc. | Valley Center CA | 760-751-8321 |
| Gaijin Noodle & Sake House | San Diego CA | 858-246-7782 |
| Toast Enoteca Cucina | San Diego CA | 619-269-4342 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Spinach. One
is easiest, three is harder.
