Spinach can be eaten raw when young and tender and makes a great addition to mixed salad leaves. It has a bittersweet taste and a very strong colour that can be used to colour other ingredients such as pasta.

Spinach works well with other ingredients including dairy products – cream and cheese, and eggs – and combines well with pasta dishes. Mushrooms, garlic and chillies also work particularly well. Raw spinach is perfect in salads and will combine nicely with bacon. Spinach also pairs beautifully with smoked haddock and with cheese, especially feta making it a favourite in Greek baking.