Monday 2 May 2011

Wilted

Spinach

Iron. Popeye. Dark. Tough

A symbol of strength if ever there was. Spinach is good for you ( I would say it's full of goodness but that word is tainted - just what is Dairylea goodness?)

Planting spinach is a statement of intent. It says to others, 'once I harvest this my body will be running on the green version of Castrol GTX - I'll be a well oiled work hard play harder go getter.'

But as we all know, behind brash claims lie uncomfortable truths. It's common knowledge that this most arrogant of veg claimed iron content tens times the actual. But this year spinach has been found well and truly wanting by a more modern green. A cultured and exotic specimen that still packs a culinary, nutrional and visual punch, but with a bit more sophistication and class.

May I introduce the new alpha veg:

Pak

Choi

Having planted a row of each on 19 March, alongside each other with equal light and water, it's clear who got all the nutrients when it came to it.

Foreground - Spinach
Background - Pak Choi
Spinach - all mouth

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The Hapless Kitchen Gardener

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Bristol
I only feel hapless because some people make it look easy to grow 10 ft marrows or a banquet of greens whereas my courgettes got nabbed by killer slugs and I only got one raspberry. So tips and stories from people less hapless than I are more than welcome. As a disclaimer though, none of my comments should be taken as expert advice on which you can rely! © Unless stated otherwise, and with the exception of guest content where that guest retains copyright, all photos and posts are the copyright of Tom Carpen and may not be used without permission.