In the busy pace of life, a simple but delicious home-cooked meal can often bring us infinite satisfaction and happiness. And spinach, a common leafy green vegetable, is not only nutritious, but also an indispensable delicacy on the table. However, have you noticed that spinach in the market is actually divided into “round leaves” and “pointed leaves”? Because many people don’t understand this secret, the spinach they make is either astringent or has a poor taste. Today, let’s unveil the mystery of round leaf spinach and pointed leaf spinach, and use the right cooking method to give this home-cooked dish a new life!

First, the shape is different: round leaves such as palms, pointed leaves such as fingers
Walking into the wet market, you may be a little lost in the face of the dazzling array of spinach. In fact, the easiest way to distinguish a round-leaf spinach from a pointy-leaf spinach is to look at the shape of their leaves. Round-leaved spinach, as the name suggests, has round and full leaves, like open palms, thick leaves, and dark green in color; Spinach, on the other hand, has long, narrow, sharp leaves that resemble slender fingers, and the leaves are relatively thin and brighter in color. The difference in appearance between the two types of spinach not only affects their taste, but also determines the most suitable cooking method for them.

Second, the taste is different: the round leaves are astringent, and the pointed leaves are sweet
Anyone who has ever tasted spinach knows that some spinach tastes a little astringent, while others are sweet and delicious. The secret lies in the shape of the spinach leaves. Round-leaf spinach has thicker leaves and more oxalic acid, so it will have an astringent feeling when eaten. Sharp-leaved spinach, on the other hand, has a relatively low oxalic acid content due to its thin leaves, making it sweeter and crispier in taste. Therefore, when choosing spinach, if you like a sweet taste, then sharp-leaf spinach is undoubtedly a better choice; And if you don’t mind that bit of astringency, round-leaf spinach can also bring you a different flavor experience.

3. The method is different: stew the round leaves, and stir-fry the sharp leaves
Different spinach, suitable for different cooking styles. Round-leaf spinach is more suitable for stewing because of its astringent taste. Washing and cutting the spinach and simmering it with tofu, eggs and other ingredients not only removes the astringency, but also allows the flavor of the spinach to blend with the flavor of the ingredients to create a nutritious dish. Spinach, on the other hand, is more suitable for stir-frying because of its sweet taste and crisp texture. After washing and blanching the spinach, stir-fry it with minced garlic, pepper oil and other seasonings, which not only retains the freshness of the spinach, but also adds a rich aroma that makes people have an endless aftertaste.

Recommended recipe for sharp-leaf spinach: cold spinach vermicelli
If you want to taste the sweetness and crunch of spinach, a cold spinach vermicelli is definitely your best choice. This cold spinach vermicelli dish is not only rich in taste and layered, but also brings you a hint of coolness, which is a delicious dish in summer.

When buying spinach, it is necessary to distinguish between “round leaves” and “sharp leaves”, many people don’t understand, no wonder it is astringent and not delicious

Round-leaf spinach recipe recommendation: spinach egg soup
For those who like to stew, a spinach egg soup is undoubtedly the best choice. This spinach and egg soup is not only bright in color and delicious, but also provides you with rich nutrients, making it a heart-warming dish in winter.


4. Nutritional value and health benefits of spinach
Spinach is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is rich in minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and dietary fiber, which helps to enhance immunity, promote bone health, prevent anemia and constipation, etc.

In this fast-paced era, a simple but delicious home-cooked meal can often make us feel the warmth of home and the beauty of life. And spinach, a seemingly ordinary leafy green vegetable, contains infinite possibilities. Whether it’s round-leaf spinach or sharp-leaf spinach, they all have their own unique charm and flavor. Let’s feel with our hearts and savor this delicious spinach dish with the tip of our tongue! May every meal bring full happiness and satisfaction!