I don’t know about your kids but mine are so picky! It seems like the older they get, the pickier they get. When my son was 1 year old I had him eating kale! Kale! And he loved it! Now I feel like it’s hopeless sometimes. I seriously have to hide veggies in his food so he gets some.
One food I like to hide is spinach. I love making him smoothies with spinach because the banana and other fruit do a good job of hiding the taste. My only problem with spinach is I can’t seem to eat it fast enough. The bag goes bad before I can finish it. With food prices on the rise, let’s face it, I can’t afford to let food go to waste. So I started making my own spinach powder. It’s so simple, I really wish I started this sooner. All you need is spinach, an airtight spice container, and an air fryer or oven. My air fryer actually has a dehydrate function which makes it easy but you can do just the same in your oven.
Spinach has so many benefits. Adding spinach powder to food offers several health benefits and can be a convenient way to boost the nutritional content of your meals. Here are some key benefits:
- Nutrient Density: Spinach powder is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and calcium. It also contains a good amount of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.
- Increased Fiber Intake: Spinach powder contains dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut. Fiber also helps in maintaining steady blood sugar levels and supports overall heart health.
- Convenience: Incorporating spinach powder into your diet is an easy way to increase your intake of greens, especially if you have a busy lifestyle or dislike the taste of fresh spinach.
- Enhanced Immune Function: The vitamins and antioxidants in spinach powder, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, can help boost the immune system and improve overall health.
- Improved Skin Health: The vitamins and antioxidants in spinach powder can contribute to healthier skin by reducing inflammation and promoting cell repair.
- Supports Bone Health: Spinach powder is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health and helps with calcium absorption.
- Detoxification: Spinach powder contains compounds that can support the body’s natural detoxification processes by aiding in the elimination of toxins.
- Versatility: It can be easily added to a variety of dishes, including smoothies, soups, sauces, and baked goods, without significantly altering the flavor.
Incorporating spinach powder into your diet can be a great way to enhance the nutritional profile of your meals, especially if you’re looking for an easy way to increase your intake of vegetables.Here’s my recipe for spinach powder.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach leaves (preferably organic)
Instructions
- Wash and Prepare Spinach: Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the leaves dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Dry the Spinach: Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (usually around 140-170°F or 60-75°C). Place the spinach leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake the spinach for 1-2 hours, checking frequently, until the leaves are dry and crispy. You might need to flip the leaves occasionally for even drying.
- Cool the Spinach: Allow the dried spinach leaves to cool completely before grinding. This helps to prevent moisture from condensing into the powder.
- Grind into Powder: Place the dried spinach leaves into a blender or food processor. Blend or process until you achieve a fine powder.
- Store: Transfer the spinach powder into an airtight container or jar. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness and potency.
Tips
- Quality: Use fresh, high-quality spinach to ensure the best flavor and nutrient content in your powder.
- Storage: Properly stored, spinach powder can last for several months. Always check for any signs of moisture or spoilage before use. Storing the powder in the refrigerator can potentially extend its freshness to up to 1 year. In a well-sealed container or vacuum-sealed bag, it can last up to 2 years, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
- Usage: Start with small amounts when adding spinach powder to recipes, as it has a strong flavor and can affect the texture of dishes.