Perpetual Spinach (‘Leaf BeeT’ Chard)
Scientific Name: Beta vulgaris cicla
Flavour: Perpetual spinach, also known as 'leaf beet' chard, has a milder and sweeter flavor compared to regular spinach. It offers a pleasant combination of earthiness and sweetness.
Growing Season: Perpetual spinach is a versatile green that can be grown throughout the year. It is especially well-suited for cooler seasons and can thrive from early spring to late autumn in British gardens.
Native Region: Leaf beet chard, including perpetual spinach, is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean region. It is now cultivated worldwide, including in the British Isles.
Traditional Recipe: Perpetual Spinach Quiche
Ingredients:
1 pre-made pie crust
250g perpetual spinach, washed and chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
150g grated Cheddar cheese
4 eggs
200ml milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Line a pie dish with the pre-made pie crust and set aside.
In a pan, sauté the chopped perpetual spinach, onion, and minced garlic until the spinach wilts and the onions turn translucent. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Spread the sautéed spinach, onion, and garlic evenly over the pie crust. Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese on top.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Pour the egg and milk mixture over the spinach and cheese in the pie dish.
Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the quiche is set and golden brown.
Allow the quiche to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Health Properties: Perpetual spinach is a nutritious leafy green vegetable. It is low in calories and rich in vitamins (including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K), minerals (such as iron, calcium, and magnesium), and dietary fiber. Perpetual spinach also contains antioxidants and may contribute to healthy digestion, support bone health, and help maintain overall well-being.
Growing Technique:
Choose a sunny or partially shaded location in your garden with well-drained soil.
Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and incorporating organic matter, such as compost, to improve its fertility and moisture-retaining capabilities.
Sow the perpetual spinach seeds directly into the soil from early spring to late summer. Plant them about 1-2cm deep and space them approximately 15-20cm apart, with rows spaced about 30-45cm apart.
Water the seeds after planting and keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
As the plants grow, thin them out if needed, leaving the strongest seedlings with sufficient space to develop.
Mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Harvest the outer leaves of the perpetual spinach plants when they reach a suitable size, usually around 15-20cm in length. Leave the inner leaves to continue growing.
Regularly harvest the outer leaves to encourage continuous growth and ensure a prolonged harvest period.