The Kitchen · Ingredient Library

Spinach & Leafy Greens

In one line

A handful of greens folded into almost anything, and dinner just got better for you.

Why I love it

Spinach wilts into eggs, soups, pasta and grain bowls without a fuss, and disappears into a smoothie completely. It's the simplest way to eat more green, every single day.

Buying it

Choose crisp, deep-green leaves with no slime or yellowing. Baby spinach for raw and quick-wilting; mature bunches for heartier cooking. Kale, chard and arugula all belong in this family.

Storing it

Store unwashed with a dry paper towel in the container to catch moisture; wash just before using. Freeze extra spinach for smoothies before it turns.

Using it

Wilt a handful into eggs or soup at the last minute, toss raw into salads, or blend into a green smoothie.

A little nutrition

Rich in iron, folate, and vitamins A, C and K. A squeeze of lemon (vitamin C) helps your body absorb the iron.

Gina's tip

Greens cook down to almost nothing — that giant pile becomes two bites. Add far more than looks reasonable, and add it at the very end.