[chools]

For several years I've grown American giant winter spinach in my polytunnel. I plant it in the autumn and it's ready to harvest now just before my tomatoes will take it's place.
This year however I've cooked it twice and both times it's had a bitter after taste and catches my throat a little making it unpleasent. I assume that the oxalic acid content must be very high this year but I've no-idea as to why. I've not changed anything in the way that I grow it. Has anyone else experinced this? I guess it's destined for the compost 😕

[sunshineband]

I assume it is not sending p flower stems? That can cause a stronger flavour in other spinaches

[chools]

No, it's showing no signs of flowers as yet

[Goosegirl]

Try this site and see if it helps:
https://www.pyroenergen.com/articles/popeye-spinach.htm

[chools]

Thanks for that, I'll have a think. I did try eating one baby leaf when I was at the plot yesterday but the bitter taste was even stronger than after steaming    In late February we had quite a heatwave and I'm wondering if that caused a reaction in the plants? It's a shame as to date it's been a good over wintered crop to help fill the hungry gap

https://flic.kr/p/Tfv43w

[Goosegirl]

Have a look at this site too:
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/avoid-bitter-cooked-spinach-4584.html

[chools]

Thanks. I'll try cropping some tomorrow and will follow various cooking methods 👍🏼