What is it?
This is the vegetable, with its big, dark green leaves and white veins and stalk that many Australians mistakenly call spinach. Silverbeet is in fact a close relative of both spinach and beetroot. Used for many centuries, silverbeet was mentioned in Roman writings dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. Even before this time it was a popular vegetable, thought to have originated in the Mediterranean.

Is it good for me?
Silverbeet is high in iron and chlorophyll making it a good blood builder.  It is also high in Zinc and Vitamin A which builds the immune system.  Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant and benefits those with night blindness.  Silverbeet is great for weight loss as it is high in fibre.

How Do I Store It?
Remove the string binding the bunch together after purchase, as this can bruise the stalks. Remove damaged leaves and cut back the white stalk and store in the refrigerator in an airtight plastic bag. Silverbeet should be consumed within a few days of purchase.