Bitter Spinach

Sam76

Our spinach is quite bitter to taste. I have probably let them grow too big- leaves are hand-size. Washed leaves and put them in the fridge- the cool seems to help with the taste a bit. I read somewhere that the heat can cause spinach/lettuce to become bitter and that they are more of a spring/autumn veg. Has anyone else experienced this?

Dovefromabove

Mature spinach does have a more pronounced flavour than the rather bland small leaves sold in supermarkets nowadays and often used in salads.  

It should be fine if you remove the larger stalks then steam it and serve with a generous knob of butter 

raisingirl

Both spinach and lettuce can taste more bitter when they begin to bolt (produce flowers) and both will do that in hot weather, so that may be what you have read

Sam76

Ok thanks

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jfh

I find that this happens with perpetual spinach. Boil or steam it then drain off and cook in butter. Generally solves the bitter problem.