Popeye ate spinach because it made him strong: It’s a very good source of dietary fiber and protein, lots of vitamins (A, B6, C, E [alpha tocopherol], K, folate, riboflavin, thiamin), calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium…and a good source of niacin and zinc. On top of the nutrition, spinach combines magically into wonderful salads. Here’s a recipe idea: Add Granny Smith apples, walnuts (toast them briefly for even more flavor) and goat cheese or blue cheese. Make a perfect dressing from fig balsamic vinegar and olive oil; serve a whole fresh fig or two as a garnish. To make this salad even more of a main meal, add Serrano ham or prosciutto and some fine artisan bread (look for semolina raisin) and a flavored butter. Popeye never ate so well!

• Find more yummy salad recipes.
• How about a recipe for a delicious curried spinach tart (think crustless quiche)? The curry powder adds healthy antioxidants.
• Flavored butter recipes (compound butter).