Vegetables
Spinach
ホウレンソウ ほうれんそう hourensou
Also known ashourensou, horenso
At its best in Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
When it is at its best
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
In seasonAvailable
How to cook
Ohitashi (blanched greens in dashi)
Blanched and steeped in dashi.
Goma-ae (dressed with ground sesame)
Blanched and dressed with ground sesame.
Sautéed in butter
Also good Western-style.
Miso soup
Added at the very end.
How to choose
Thick, deep green leaves with a vivid red root end, and stems that are not too thick.
Storage
Wrap in damp newspaper and refrigerate standing upright. Sensitive to drying.
Main areas
Good to know
The astringent compounds reduce when boiled and soaked in water. Winter spinach sweetens and is sold as chijimi horenso.
