Kitchen Garden Forum

Evening all,
I've got loads of perpetual spinach on the plot at the moment that needs to be harvested as many of the plants are starting to bolt. I've bought bags of frozen (normal) spinach before, unchopped, where it's frozen into blocks. Can the same be done with perpetual spinach? Has anyone tried it? I'm loathe to chuck it on the compost heap!
Vivien

I've cooked the perpetual spinach as normal then pressed all the moisture out and frozen it in blocks. Worked fine.
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Granny

Thanks Granny - my husband will be greatly relieved to hear that he doesn't have to have spinach with EVERY meal for the next couple of weeks!
Vivien

Does perpetual spinach taste like regular spinach? Is it more hardy?

I've only ever had one decent crop of spinach and would be interested in trying this type if it's more hardy. Does it require a permanent bed?

Hi Malk

First have a look at this lengthy thread:

viewtopic.php?t=2946

Alan

Ok confused now. I'm growing Swiss Chard this year so will try that, but still don't know if perpetual spinach tastes like regular annual spinach.

Hi Malk,
Perpetual Spinach does taste very similar to normal Spinach but is not quite as earthy or dry.
This is because the leaves contain a very much reduced concentration of Oxalic Acid.
Seakale Beet, Swiss Chard, call it what you will, has an even further reduced concentration of Oxalic Acid and is, to me, far superior in taste.
I do hope you enjoy it because I find that is one of the best green vegetables I grow.
JB.

Hi i am growing perpetual spinach and have read the earlier postings. However, I have never used before - how big should the leaves be to harvest? am I supposed to pick the little 'finger sized' leaves or bigger ie. 'up to the elbow'. Also would you rip off at the bottom of the stem, or cut with scissors?

I know there was some information about harvesting Chard but am still a bit confused if my perpetual spinach is the same thing!?

Freckleston wrote:Hi i am growing perpetual spinach and have read the earlier postings. However, I have never used before - how big should the leaves be to harvest? am I supposed to pick the little 'finger sized' leaves or bigger ie. 'up to the elbow'. Also would you rip off at the bottom of the stem, or cut with scissors?

If you want to eat raw as salad, pick small. If you want to cook wait till leaves are about 5 inches+ long.

How to pick? It's up to you. I would use my trusty Opinel Knife



but scissors would be fine, if you happen to carry scissors around with you.

Is Perpetual Spinach the same as Swiss Chard? Have another look at the long discussion in Technical Data:

viewtopic.php?t=2946

Alan