Why Colder Temperatures Make Spinach Sweeter Instead Of Bitter - Tasting Table

"In general, colder temperatures make spinach sweeter, while greens grown in warmer months come out more bitter. That's why it's best to take advantage of the colder months by growing lots of spinach and other cold-weather-loving greens in the cold winter temps. Though it might seem counterintuitive, since there's nothing like a fresh spinach salad with strawberries and balsamic in the heart of spring or summer, spinach is actually a crop that thrives in the cold."

"The reason why? Survival. The plant actually transforms starch into sugar and accumulates the sugars in its cells as a way to lower their freezing point, making them more resistant to the season's harsh cold. What's scientifically a way to survive freezes also happens to make spinach deliciously sweet. Those higher concentrations of sugar due to the cold are also one of the reasons why produce grown in high altitude climates often tastes sweeter, since cool temperatures lead to greater sugar development."

"While spinach thrives in the cold and is one of the fruits and veggies that are great for beginner gardeners, there are some considerations to ensure a successful winter harvest. Particularly, it's important to recognize that the plant needs to be acclimatized. This means letting the crop get used to the cold so it can withstand the chill and start to accumulate those sugars. You can also protect the crops with a hoop house, cold frame, or row covers when there's a high"

Cold temperatures cause spinach to convert starch into sugar and store those sugars in cells to lower freezing point, increasing cold resistance and sweetness. Greens grown in warm months develop more bitter flavors. Higher sugar concentrations from cool growing conditions are also why high-altitude produce often tastes sweeter. Spinach, kale, and mustard greens can be grown in fall, spring, and summer but will likely be less sweet than winter-grown crops. Seedlings and plants need acclimatization to cold and can be protected with hoop houses, cold frames, or row covers for successful winter harvests.

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