Learning how to cook spinach is simple. Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared quickly in a number of tasty ways. So whether cooking spinach or eating it raw, it's important to learn how to clean and prepare this very tasty vegetable. And spinach is one of those vegetables that we all seem to despise as kids, but somewhere along the way we fall in love with spinach and it's delicious flavor.

The spinach season runs from March-May and again from September-October. Although you can usually find it all year round, it's at its best and prettiest during these months.

Served raw, spinach is a good source of vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant. Overcook it, however, and you lose most of this important vitamin.

Read on to learn how to cook spinach.

Spinach is available in grocery stores year round. It's easy to prepare, and can be eaten raw in salads, boiled, steamed, sauteed, or microwaved. Spinach is also often included in soups or casseroles. Plan on one pound of spinach to serve two to three people as a side dish.

1. Cut off the end of the stems, and remove the tough outer leaves of the broccoli. Discard or compost the trimmings.
2. Trim the stems and any large tough ribs from the spinach.
3. Chop the spinach as desired.
4. Immerse the spinach in water. You can use a large bowl, pot, or the sink.
5. Drain in a colander.
6. Repeat the rinsing of the spinach until there is no more sand or debris in the water. This will usually take 3-4 rinses.

1. Heat 2 cloves minced garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan.
2. Add the washed spinach.
3. Sauté the spinach until wilted, about 5 minutes.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the spinach.
3. Boil for 3 minutes.
4. Drain.
5. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper.

1. Place 1/2 pound of spinach and 3/4 cup water in a microwave safe bowl with a lid.
2. Cook on high for 5 minutes.
3. Drain and serve with butter, salt and pepper

1. Bring water to boil in a pot with a steaming insert just above the water.
2. Place the spinach in the steamer insert.
3. Steam for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from steamer and serve

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 1/2 cups of milk
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook 2 pounds of fresh spinach by boiling or steaming.
2. Drain well
3. Combine 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan until butter is melted.
4. Add 1 1/2 cups of milk, and cook, stirring constantly until thickened.
5. Add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and salt and pepper as needed
6. Add 1 cup shredded cheese if desired, and stir until melted.
7. Toss the spinach with the cream sauce.