Spinach

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Spinach is an ingredient that is popular around the world. It is available in a summer and winter variety. Winter spinach is coarser, sometimes curled, and has a somewhat spicier flavour. Spinach is available in different varieties, such as the well-known wild spinach, which isn't really wild at all. Wild spinach is cultivated in fields like the rest, but is called 'wild' because of its jagged leaves. Wild spinach has a rich robust flavour and does not wilt as easily.

Basic techniques: glazing, grilling, boiling, steaming, stir-frying, roasting, sous-vide cooking, braising.

Taste combinations: anchovy, lamb, Pancetta, fish, egg, sour cream, avocado, sea lavender, tomato, conical cabbage, thyme, almond, pine nut, mascarpone, nutmeg.