Spinach

Incredibly cold-hardy, versatile, and nutrient-dense, this leafy green is native to Central and Western Asia. Spinach can be categorized as savoy, semi-savoy, or smooth. Savoy varieties are deeply crinkled and have a higher cold tolerance. They tend to be more difficult to clean. Semi-savoy varieties are less crinkled and have more of an upright growth habit. Smooth varieties, as the name suggests, have smooth spade-shaped leaves with an upright growth habit. One of the earliest greens to mature in the spring garden, I use it in smoothies and salads. Although botanically not spinach, New Zealand and Malabar spinach are good alternatives as they can be consumed in much the same way and are heat tolerant.