I love Spinach!!! But it was not love at first sight. My only interaction with Spinach or leafy greens in general was from Popeye squishing the can, arching the power green into his tummy and growing those muscles to save the day. I am not gonna lie, it was fun but it did not look appetizing one bit.
Until one day, my friend invited me out for dinner and we were served a Spinach salad with strawberries and shaved almonds. I balked at this Rabbit food but when I tried it, my mind instantly changed. The leaves had so much flavor and with the pop of sweet and salty, it was absolutely scrumptious. I could feel my Popeye muscles growing. When the next course came out and it was Salmon with lemon wilted spinach on top, I was hooked.
I started using Spinach regularly in almost everything I made, even on top of my burgers instead of iceberg lettuce. It may have been in my head but I could feel it’s nutrients, I could feel the healthy green working it’s magic just like it did for my guy, Popeye.
Even in these winter months we are able to offer this gorgeous green in our Community Harvest CSA with the beautiful harvest from our friends at Bridgewater Farm in Bridgewater, IA. I wanted to share some Spinach facts I found from the Food Literacy Center in celebration of my favorite green and for everyone to get to know it’s awesomeness!
“Spinach – The Green Wonder!
History
The word “spinach” is derived from the Persian word ispanai (meaning “green hand”) which evolved into spanachia in Latin and spinach in English.
Thought to have originated in ancient Persia, it was cultivated there more than 2,000 years ago. It then made its way to China in the 7th century as a gift from the King of Nepal. Europeans began to cultivate spinach in the 11th century when the Moors brought the vegetable to Spain. It was known as “the Spanish vegetable” in England for a while!
In the 16th century, spinach was the favorite vegetable of Catherine de Medici of the famous Italian Renaissance Medici family. When she left her home in Florence to marry the king of France, she brought her cooks along so that they can prepare the spinach dishes she loved. She was the inspiration behind the phrase “a la Florentine,” describing dishes prepared on a bed of spinach.
Spinach became popular in America in the 1800s. In the 1920s, the US bolstered the commercial appeal of spinach. Even pop culture icons like Popeye the Sailorman advocated for spinach consumption!
Nutritional Value
Spinach is packed with nutrients for bone health such as vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, and manganese, as well as heart-healthy nutrients such as folate, potassium, and vitamin B6. Not only does it protect your heart and bones, it also provides your body with iron, vitamins A, B2, C, and E, fiber, protein, copper, and zinc. To top it all off, spinach is a great source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Spinach Fun Facts:
- The Arabs called it “the prince of vegetables.”
- The Chinese call it the “herb of Persia.”
- Back in the 11th century, the English called it “the Spanish vegetable.”
- It belongs to the same family as Swiss chard and beets.
- Spinach grows quickly. It can be harvested in 37 to 45 days!
- Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked. Lightly sautéed, stir-fried, or baked in quiches and pies, Spinach is enjoyed by many different cultures due to its versatility and mild flavor. Baby spinach is lovely on salads."
Check out this article to learn more!
Watch the video for a locally grown recipe:
