Published on: 30 May 2016
Last Updated on: 29 May 2021
Military flashlight are among the most top rising flashlights trends of the past several years but have you ever wondered why are they able to transmit more lumen power that other types of flashlights? The secret key that makes every military flashlight better than all LED flashlights and tactical flashlights is the unique hardware concept.
Most flashlights hardware are made on a very similar principle where for transmitting the lumen capacity an LED diode is being used. LED diodes are known in the flashlight industry as a very outdated technology that keeps all flashlights from evolving into multi-functional tools. LEd diodes because of their circular body structure aren’t able to transmit the entire lumen capacity in one place, instead, it is spreading the light in different directions. For years and years, all of the top flashlight companies have tried to solve this problem but somehow they weren’t able to solve it.
If you are a huge fan of flashlight then you know that Lumitact is one of the top companies in the flashlight industry. Being the most revolutionary flashlight technology company all eyes were pointed at them to solve this problem. Lumitact as the official flashlight manufacturer for the US army has been absent from the market for several years but when they dropped their contract with the US army they came back on the market with a solution to the hardware problem.
Lumitact has solved the hardware problem with just one small adjustment that made huge differences in quality. Instead of using the outdated LED diodes they invented a revolutionary LED chip that is able to transmit the entire lumen capacity of a flashlight. The key factor that makes LED chips different than LED diodes is in their body structure. The body structure of an LED chip is square which means that the light is only limited to one direction which is more than enough to transmit the entire lumen capacity of a flashlight.
After the revelation of the unique LED chip Lumitact has patented this technology and now it is only available in Lumitat’s flashlights. The only flashlight for now that uses this kind of technology is the G700 military grade flashlight. The Lumitact G700 military grade flashlight is considered to be the brightest flashlight on the market with a staggering power of 700 lumens which is more than enough to light up an entire field.
Besides the fact that the LEd chips allow the full transmission of the lumen capacity the other valuable resource that the LED chips provide is battery longevity. As one of the biggest flashlight problems battery capacity is very important in all kind of flashlights. Without a battery capacity of at least 48 hours of constant work, a flashlight isn’t considered to be reliable.
Because LED chips are focusing in one direction, the battery usage is down by 50%. Since the only flashlight that has the LED chip integrated into their hardware, the Lumitact G700 is able to last up to 72 hours of constant working.
For more info on tactical flashlights like the G700 or the X700, you can read more on Flashlightpedia.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Being a gardener, I know Spinach is one of the most popular and versatile leafy greens you can grow in your garden. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest spinach the right way so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest spinach, so it keeps growing. I will also explain how to harvest spinach seeds, how to store and freeze spinach, and the health benefits of spinach. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your spinach harvest. So, keep on reading till the end to learn more, and thank me later!
Driven by Benefits: Why are People Growing Spinach?
Spinach is not only tasty but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye Health
Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Spinach also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood Pressure
Spinach is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Spinach also contains folate. This helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Spinach is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Spinach also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune System
Spinach is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Spinach also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Spinach is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This improves the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also supports the immune system.
Skin And Hair
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, which are essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How To Harvest Spinach So It Keeps Growing
One of the best things about spinach is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season if you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest spinach is when the leaves are young and tender. This is usually about 40 to 50 days after planting. You can also harvest baby spinach leaves earlier, about 25 to 30 days after planting.
You should harvest spinach before it starts to bolt. This is when it produces flowers and seeds and becomes bitter and tough. Spinach usually bolts when the days get longer and warmer. So, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem, or cut individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
You should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil, to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. Moreover, you should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the spinach leaves as soon as possible after harvesting, to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. You can use a colander or a salad spinner to rinse the leaves under cold water. After this, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. Additionally, you should remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the spinach leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. We'll explain how to store and freeze spinach in the next sections.
How to Harvest Spinach Seeds?
If you want to save some spinach seeds for the next season or share them with your friends and family, you must let some spinach plants bolt and produce flowers and seeds. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach seeds:
Select the best plants to save seeds from
It would be best if you chose healthy, vigorous, and productive plants with the desired characteristics. Some of these are the flavor, size, color, and disease resistance.
Apart from these, you should also avoid saving seeds from hybrid varieties, as they will not produce true-to-type plants. You should look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, which will produce plants that are similar to the parent plants.
Isolate the plants to prevent cross-pollination
Spinach is a wind-pollinated crop, which means that it can cross-pollinate with other spinach plants or related plants, such as beets, chard, or quinoa, within a distance of up to a mile. This can result in seeds that have different traits than the parent plants. To prevent cross-pollination, you should isolate the plants you want to save seeds from, by either planting them far away from other spinach plants or related plants, or covering them with a mesh bag or a cage.
Let the plants flower and set seeds
You should let the plants bolt and produce flowers, which are small and yellow, and then wait for the seeds to form and mature. The seeds are round and black, and they are enclosed in a spiny husk. The seeds are ready to harvest when they are dry and hard, and the husks are brown and brittle, usually about four to six weeks after flowering.
Harvest and clean the seeds
You should cut the seed stalks and place them in a paper bag or a bucket, and then shake or rub them to release the seeds from the husks.
Furthermore, you should then winnow the seeds, which separates the seeds from the chaff or the husks and other debris. You can do this by blowing or fanning the seeds or using a screen or a sieve. You should end up with clean and shiny seeds.
Store the seeds
It would be best if you stored the spinach seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a jar, a tin, or a plastic bag. You should also label the seeds with the variety name and the date of harvest. Besides, you can store the spinach seeds for up to five years, but they will germinate better if you use them within two to three years.
How to Store and Freeze Spinach?
Spinach is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve spinach for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze spinach:
Store spinach in the refrigerator
You can store fresh spinach in the refrigerator for up to a week if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. However, you should avoid washing the spinach before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the spinach just before using it.
Freeze spinach raw
You can freeze raw spinach without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw spinach will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw spinach, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw spinach for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze spinach blanched
You can freeze blanched spinach, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw spinach. To freeze blanched spinach, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for one to two minutes, depending on the size of the leaves.
You should then drain and cool the leaves, and squeeze out the excess water. You can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Furthermore, you can freeze blanched spinach for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
Things to Keep in Mind: How to Grow Spinach Successfully?
Spinach is a cool-season crop that grows best in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. It can tolerate light frost but not heat or drought. Spinach also prefers moist, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here are some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully:
Choose the right variety
There are many types of spinach, but the most common varieties are savoy, semi-savoy, and flat-leafed. Savoy spinach has dark green, crinkly leaves that are great for salads and wraps. Semi-savoy spinach has slightly curled leaves that are more resistant to diseases and bolting. Flat-leafed spinach has smooth, broad leaves that are easy to clean and process. You can also choose spinach varieties based on their maturity time, bolt resistance, flavor, and color. Bloomsdale, Tyee, Space, Melody, and Red Kitten are popular spinach varieties.
Sow the seeds
You can sow spinach seeds directly in the garden, or start them indoors and transplant them later. The best time to sow spinach seeds is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also sow spinach seeds every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
Besides this, you should sow the seeds about half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. You should water the seeds well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the spinach seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about four to six inches of space between each plant, and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the spinach plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
Depending on the variety, you can start harvesting spinach leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 25 to 50 days after sowing. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should harvest spinach in the morning, when the leaves are crisp and fresh, and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest spinach before it starts to bolt, which is when it produces flowers and seeds, and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Use Spinach in Different Cuisines and Recipes?
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a pasta, a pie, or a smoothie, spinach can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use spinach in different cuisines and recipes:
Mediterranean cuisine
Spinach is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, such as spanakopita, a Greek pie made with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, or spinach and chickpea stew, a Moroccan dish flavored with cumin, paprika, and lemon juice. You can also make a simple spinach salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Asian cuisine
Spinach is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a Chinese spinach and tofu stir-fry with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, or a Japanese spinach and sesame salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also make an Indian spinach and potato curry with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and garam masala, or a spinach and paneer cheese dish with cream, tomato, and fenugreek.
Italian cuisine
Spinach is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in pasta, pizza, and lasagna. You can make a spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage sauce, or a spinach and mushroom pizza with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You can also make a spinach and cheese lasagna with béchamel sauce, or a spinach and artichoke dip with cream cheese and sour cream.
American cuisine
Spinach is also popular in American cuisine, especially salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a spinach and strawberry salad with almonds and poppy seed dressing or a spinach and bacon sandwich with mayonnaise and mustard. You can also make a spinach and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, or a spinach and artichoke quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Wrapping It Up!
Spinach is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store spinach, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Spinach is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know about how to harvest spinach, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be ether to answer them all for you.
Read Also:
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Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!
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There is so much to look upon when you have to choose the perfect kitchen flooring for your kitchen. It is not an easy task because you have to look at so many factors.
Deciding on a kitchen flooring you have to consider numerous factors like the look, will it merge with the rest of your interior or not, the climatic effects on it and the most important factor “durability”. The durability factor is the one which has to be reconsidered because you don’t change your kitchen flooring every week. It’s an investment which lasts for an average of 5-7 years or even more. Sometimes it’s just twice or thrice in a lifetime for a middle-class person.
These days when people do not have time to go even for grocery shopping and instead buy it from the online grocery store then how would people get time to go for a consultant who would suggest the best flooring for your home. It is expensive as well that everyone cannot afford it.
So here we have come up with some of the best kitchen flooring options which you can go for, you just have to choose the best for your home as per the features which we will be discussing here:
Hardwood Flooring:
Hardwood timber flooring is flooring which never goes out of fashion and is highly durable. It needs low maintenance You can have an open floor plan with this type of flooring.
Vinyl Flooring:
Vinyl flooring is good when you are tight on a budget and want easy maintenance. It is an excellent choice if you love cooking and have a huge family for whom you have to cook a lot. If you want to buy grocery and other kitchen appliances in a budget, you can visit Askmegrocery store where you can take benefits of coupons too and can really shop in a budget.
Cork Flooring:
Cork Flooring is good when you want to go for an eco-friendly option. It is softer than wood or tile. It is slip-resistant.
Stone or Tile:
Stone or tile is an option for people who want to do it for one time. You have the option to change it but if maintained properly, it can last for a very long period. It comes in various textures and colors. You can easily decide the appearance based on this type of flooring.
Wooden flooring:
Wooden flooring is quite classy and gives you a good feel under the feet. These days it’s used in the way that it is also resistant to water stains.
Laminated Flooring:
Laminate flooring is an alternative option of wooden flooring in a cheap budget. They provide the same look as of wooden flooring and that too in a less budget.
So, after going through this list I think it will be much easier now for you to choose the best and the most durable flooring for your kitchen. Go for the most compatible flooring considering the factors texture, color, look, durability.
Read More:
Pressure Washing- Why It Is Necessarily Important For Your Home?
How To Make Your Home Look Like A Splendid Hotel?
Best 5 Designer Secrets To Make The Most Of Small Spaces
Experts Recommend: Top Interior Design Trends For 2017
How’s your outdoor space coming along? Outdoor spaces such as our patios are our sanctuary to relax and unwind after a long day from work. It is also a place where we spend quality time with our family and where we have chit-chats about how our day went.
We can't afford, for sure, to see the place we called sanctuary as lifeless and dull. Therefore, adding some refreshing colors to enliven it is necessary for us to have the best family bonding and a place to relax.
The good thing is, giving some life to your outdoor spaces doesn’t have to be laborious and expensive. The colors may come from your furniture, tiles, plants, pots, and outdoor rugs. Here are some ways to consider if you want to add up some color and life to your outdoor spaces.
Colorful Plantscaping
Bringing some ambiance of nature into your outdoor spaces cannot be understated, and plant-scaping is necessary to put in that ambiance.
When choosing for plants, it’s alright to be simple and to go with a greeny landscape. But it’s much better if we add up an array of colorful flowers. To be more colorful, you can opt for a collection of Mandevilla, gardenia, plumbago, and sunflower. But there are many other colorful plants out there in your nearest garden shop that will surely suit your taste.
Pot Art
Do your flower pots look dull? Perhaps, it’s time to do them some paint job.
Not only your plants and flowers can spice up your garden, but also your flower pots. You can do some fun art on them with a color scheme that can add an artistic beauty to your landscape. In this way, your garden will not anymore look dull.
Put Colorful Outdoor Furniture on Display
Chairs, tables, and shades are center attractions in our patios. You can turn them into a more attention-grabbing status if you show them off in bright colors. For sure, it can add a more refreshing ambiance while you’re having your afternoon coffee.
Roll Out The Outdoor Rug
If you want to add some interesting detail to your outdoor dining or seating areas, you can place an outdoor rug under it. Rugs with beautiful designs are essential in order not to give your outdoor spaces a basic look.
Blend In Decorative Tiles
There are a lot of decorative tiles to choose from in the market today. Decorative tiles are a good way to go if you want to start styling up your outdoor structures such as your fountains, stairs, and kitchen countertops.
Paint Up Your Bare Walls With Murals
A mural is the best way to brighten up your dull wall. Not only that this will not consume up a lot of space, but a wall with a mural can also bring us peace of mind every time we look at it.
Outdoor Decors
You can enliven your patio or garden with outdoor decorations. For example, you can put bright-colored hanging baskets on display in your garden. Mosaic art, colorful stepping stones, and tabletop lanterns are also things that will give charm to your outdoor spaces.
Takeaway
We must not settle for the simple and basic when it comes to designing our outdoor spaces. There are a lot of ways to put some life to it such as adding up some colors. It also does not have to be challenging and expensive as some ideas mentioned above are do-it-yourself tips. What we only need is a little budget and our creativity.
Read More :
Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom
How To Make Your Home Look Like A Splendid Hotel?
