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 makes a wonderful salad.

Here’s a recipe idea:

COMBINE baby spinach with Granny Smith apples, pecans or 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; add halved fresh figs as a garnish.

ADD protein for a main meal with Serrano ham or prosciutto, or grilled salmon.

SERVE fine artisan bread on the side (look for semolina raisin) for fun, a flavored butter.

Popeye never ate so well!

Spinach salad with goat cheese, toasted walnuts (photo © Evolution Fresh).