Even grandma warned: spinach must not be reheated because it contains harmful substances. Today we know that even warmed spinach can be eaten without hesitation. But what about grandma's concerns, what substances does spinach contain and how do you deal with spinach?

Spinach contains these substances:

  • iron
  • nitrate
  • Vitamins C, A and B

When does nitrate turn into toxic nitrite?

Many vegetables contain nitrate, which is not toxic to us. Nitrate is converted into toxic nitrite by endogenous bacteria, reboiling or long-term storage.

This hinders the oxygen transport in the body and is considered carcinogenic. For adults, the amount of nitrite produced by storage and reheating is harmless.

In conjunction with amino acids, nitrate is converted into carcinogenic nitrosamine. This can be avoided if spinach is not eaten with fish.

Tips for proper preparation and storage

  • Always blanch spinach, this reduces the nitrate content
  • Nitrate goes into the cooking water, so always throw away the spinach water
  • Spinach is best stored in the refrigerator for a week at most
  • Cool the spinach quickly for storage
  • reheated spinach is safe if it has been refrigerated and not again
    is boiled up

tips and tricks

Spinach is digestible for babies if it is only fed after the 5th month and mixed with cereals or carrots. Due to the lower body weight, warmed spinach should be avoided in children, as it can lead to blue fever.

Category:

Vegetable garden