Season: March to June

Description: Around since antiquity and native to Asia, spinach has become part of many culture’s diet, including being an integral element of the modern Iranian diet. Spinach did not become popular in Europe until the 16th century when Catherine de Medici married Henry of Orleans, bringing spinach with her from Florence to France. To this day, French dishes containing spinach are labeled as ‘a la Florentine’.

There are three basic types of spinach: savoy, smooth, and semi-savoy. Take care in washing spinach, as it is a fragile green. Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin C and calcium.

China produces around 85% of the world’s spinach, with the US as the 2nd largest producer, with 3%.

Did you know? Spinach was made famous in the 20th century by the cartoon Popeye.