SPINACH VERSUS SILVER BEET, WHICH LEAFY GREEN COMES OUT ON TOP?
As autumn settles in, the demand for quality leafy greens like English spinach and silverbeet is on the rise. While both are popular ingredients in the kitchen, they have distinct differences that set them apart.
English spinach is a delicate and tender green with thin edible stems. Its bright green leaves have a slightly sweet flavour that makes it perfect for salads, smoothies, or as a cooked vegetable. You'll often find it sold in bunches,
Baby spinach is a type of spinach that is harvested when the leaves are still small and tender. It is characterised by its small size, delicate texture, and sweet, slightly nutty flavour. The leaves are typically bright green and have a slightly shiny appearance. Baby spinach is commonly used in salads and as a garnish, and delicious in egg dishes like frittata, quiche, omelettes and scrambled eggs.
On the other hand, silverbeet boasts large, dark green leaves with thick, edible white stems. This leafy green vegetable has a slightly bitter flavour that adds depth to cooked dishes like soups, pies, stews, and casseroles. Don’t discard the stems, chop them finely and add to stir-fries and soups too. Like English spinach, it's also sold in bunches and is a versatile ingredient for any kitchen.
Both spinach and silverbeet are nutritious and delicious leafy greens that add flavour and texture to any meal. While they may share some similarities, their unique characteristics make them ideal for different culinary applications.