Baby Spoon Spinach

Inventory, 4 lbs : 35.38
This item was last sold on : 01/28/23

• 150 Featured Restaurants

• 47 Recipe Ideas

• 1 ShareMarket®

Description/Taste

Baby Spoon spinach is small in size, averaging 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter, and has a flat, round to oval shape with curved, smooth edges attached to slender, straight, and short stems. The vibrant green leaves are pliable, soft, and generally smooth, sometimes lightly textured with shallow veins, and the stems are light green with a firm, chewy nature. Baby Spoon spinach leaves are sturdy but also have a crisp, succulent, and tender consistency. The leaves should be saturated in color, void of bruising, and dry when selecting greens for culinary use. Baby Spoon spinach has a mild, clean, and delicate flavor with earthy, nutty, subtly sweet, and vegetal nuances.

Seasons/Availability

Baby Spoon spinach is available year-round.

Current Facts

Baby Spoon spinach, botanically classified as Spinacia oleracea, is a general descriptor for immature spinach greens belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. In the United States, flat-leaf, also known as smooth-leafed spinach, is the most popular type of spinach grown as Baby spinach. Flat-leaf spinach is known for its smooth surface, holding onto less grit and dirt, allowing the greens to be quickly washed and packaged for commercial markets. There are many different varieties of flat-leaf spinach grown, harvested, and marketed under the Baby Spoon spinach name, and the young greens earned their name for their small size, curved spoon-like appearance, and immature nature. Baby Spoon spinach is typically harvested 15 to 35 days after planting and is purposefully gathered in the plant's early growth stages for the green's mild, clean flavor, hardy nature, and tender, succulent texture. In modern-day markets, Baby Spoon spinach is almost exclusively found in prepackaged mixes, either sold on its own or combined with other baby greens into various blends. Baby Spoon spinach is primarily consumed fresh, but it is also occasionally used in select, cooked preparations.

Nutritional Value

Baby Spoon spinach is a source of folate to develop DNA and RNA, phosphorus to repair cellular tissue, and vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing. The greens also provide potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, vitamin E to reduce inflammation, and other nutrients, including zinc, calcium, vitamin A, magnesium, and iron. In addition to vitamins and minerals, Baby Spoon spinach has antioxidants to protect the cells against the damage caused by free radicals.

Applications

Baby Spoon spinach has a mild, clean, and earthy flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The young greens are commonly consumed raw, valued for their tender, crisp nature, and are tossed into salads or used as a bed of greens for roasted meats. Baby Spoon spinach can also be blended into smoothies, mixed into sauces, dressings, and dips, especially pesto, or combined with garlic into a flavored butter. In addition to raw preparations, Baby Spoon spinach can be incorporated into cooked dishes such as casseroles, pasta, soups, and stews. The young greens can be lightly wilted into main meat dishes, sauteed with aromatics as a simple side, or layered into lasagna. They can also be cooked into grains, mixed into egg-based dishes including quiche, frittatas, and omelets, stuffed into meats, or stirred into potato and vegetable-based dishes. Baby Spoon spinach pairs well with fruits such as apples, citrus, and berries, nuts including walnuts, almonds, and pine, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cheeses such as feta, parmesan, goat, and cheddar. Whole, unwashed Baby Spoon spinach should be stored in a sealed container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, keeping for 2 to 7 days in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In the United States, Baby spinach increased in popularity across the United States when it was used in bagged salad mixes. The young greens could be stored and shipped in packaged mixes without rapid decay due to their sturdier nature, and they could be washed and packed fresh without bruising. The history of packaged greens in the United States is intertwined with the creation of convenience foods. After World War II, American consumers began purchasing pre-made dinners as they grew tired of maintaining their home Victory Gardens. Around the same time, grocery stores were installing improved refrigeration systems, and new highways were constructed to reduce shipping times, allowing for more perishable items to be sold and shipped. In the 1980s, "value-added" products appeared on market shelves, beginning with Del Monte's pre-cut pineapple. With the success of the pre-packaged pineapple, produce companies began working on other bagged foods. Lettuce growers in California, especially in Salinas, initially tried packaging heads of lettuce chopped into smaller pieces. It was quickly discovered that the edges of the pieces were browned, leading the greens to lack visual appeal. Baby greens were tested for their ability to be packaged and kept whole and soon took over the entire packaged lettuce market. Baby spinach in the 1980s marked a period in American history when consumers shifted from eating canned or cooked spinach to eating fresh spinach. Consumers desired ready-to-eat fresh greens that could be prepared without extensive preparations, and Baby spinach eventually became one of the most popular types for pre-packaged mixes, even into the modern day.

Geography/History

Spinach is native to ancient Persia, now modern-day Iran, and was created from several wild species. Domesticated spinach was thought to have developed through selective breeding of wild, leafy greens, but much of the history of spinach is unknown. Over time, spinach was spread to neighboring countries around Persia through traders traveling through India and was introduced into Nepal and China sometime before 647 CE. Spinach was also brought to Italy around 827 CE through the Arabs, and by the 10th century, the plant was found throughout the Mediterranean. In the 13th through 16th centuries, spinach was extensively cultivated throughout Europe, creating new domesticated varieties. In the 18th century, Spinach was carried with European settlers to the United States. Thomas Jefferson grew several types of Spinach in his Monticello Estate Gardens around 1774, and by 1806, Spinach was being promoted in American seed catalogs. Spinach was heavily advertised throughout the United States in the early 20th century. By the late 20th century, pre-packaged salad mixes using Baby Spoon spinach marked the Baby spinach renaissance in modern markets. It is important to note that Baby spinach has been around since the dawn of domestication, but its popularity was never officially recorded until the late 20th century. Today California, Arizona, and Texas are the top spinach producers in the United States, and flat-leaf varieties are the most commercially grown in California for their easy-to-clean nature. In general, Baby Spoon spinach is grown worldwide and is primarily offered as a pre-packaged green in commercial markets. Baby greens can also be cultivated in home gardens and consumed as a fresh salad ingredient.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Harbor Breakfast	San Diego CA	619-888-6586
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen	Carlsbad CA	760-930-7063
Crust Pizzeria-Carmel	San Diego CA	858-212-8751
The Farm Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-5585
Voltaire Beach House	San Diego CA	858-213-7638
Hilton Mission Valley	San Diego CA	619-543-9000
Brigantine Corp	San Diego CA	858-926-9644
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
Himitsu	La Jolla CA	858-345-0220
The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo	San Diego CA	858-451-9100
Mister A's Bar	San Diego CA	619-239-1377
Uprising Pizza	El Cajon CA	619-928-3286
Del Mar Country Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5500 x207
Chateau Lake San Marcos	San Marcos CA	760-670-5807
Fairmont Grand Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-314-1975
Shogun Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-226-8030
Cueva Bar	San Diego CA	619-269-6612
Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Beaumont's	San Diego CA	858-459-0474
Jack & Giulio's	San Diego CA	619-294-2074

the other 130...

Il Sogno Italiano	San Diego CA	619-380-2652
Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
Barleymash	San Diego CA	619-276-6700 x304
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Garbatella Osteria Bar	Chula Vista CA	619-651-1185
Carte Hotel	San Diego CA	619-365-1858
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade	La Jolla CA	858-551-7500
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	858-208-9422
Pizza Cassette	San Diego CA	802-310-5601
Kona Kai Resort and Marina	San Diego CA	619-221-8000
Madi	San Diego CA	320-491-1217
Encontro North Park	San Diego CA	310-955-6333
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Vitality Tap - 1St Ave	San Diego CA	619-237-7625
One Door North	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Alila Marea Beach Resort (Banquets)	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
Boss Bird Kitchen	La Mesa CA	858-566-9191
Known Spoilage
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Mimmos Italian Village	San Diego CA	619-239-3710
American Pizza Manufacturing	La Jolla CA	858-246-6756
The Corner Drafthouse	San Diego CA	619-255-2631
Uptown Tavern	San Diego CA	619-683-9322
Le Parfait Paris- Downtown	San Diego CA	619-245-4457
San Diego Freedom Ranch	Campo CA	619-478-5696
Alila Marea Beach Resort (Pastry)	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Marriott Gaslamp	San Diego CA	619-696-0234 x6051
Hilton Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-792-5200 x4234
Vogue Tavern	Chula Vista CA	619-371-3322
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
Third Corner Encinitas	Encinitas CA	619-417-9251
Bahia Resort Hotel	San Diego CA	858-488-0551
Monello	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Sets Kitchen and Bar	San Marcos CA	970-390-2148
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Valley View Casino & Hotel (Black&Blue)	Valley Center CA	760-291-5500
Edgewater Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-7581
Oside Kitchen Collaborative	Oceanside CA	619-807-7161
Blind Lady	San Diego CA	619-381-4475
Whiskey Girl	San Diego CA	619-236-1616
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego	San Diego CA	619-696-6300
Shake and Muddle	Chula Vista CA	619-816-5429
AToN Center Inc.	Encinitas CA	858-759-5017
Rustic Root	San Diego CA	619-232-1747
JSIX American restaurant & Bar	San Diego CA	619-531-8744
Smoking Gun	San Diego CA	619-276-6700
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
Spill the Beans (Seaport)	San Diego CA	619-276-6700
Bantams Roost Public House	Carlsbad CA	858-245-7166
Zanzibar at the Loft	La Jolla CA	858-210-5476
Farmers Bottega	San Diego CA	619-306-8963
Madam Bonnies	San Diego CA	619-432-1383
Estancia Adobe	San Diego CA	858-550-1000
Alila Marea Beach Resort	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	858-454-7126
Davanti Enoteca India St.	San Diego CA	619-237-9606
Pacific Cafe & Catering (Medical Cntr Dr.)	La Jolla CA	619-808-4087
The Monsaraz	San Diego CA	858-760-6228
Extraordinary Desserts Union St.	San Diego CA	619-294-7001
Craft House Sky Deck	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
SB Kitchen	Solana Beach CA	610-717-7217
Marriott Courtyard - Broadway	San Diego CA	619-446-3008
US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Berry Good Food Foundation	La Jolla CA	619-666-1633
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Catania La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-551-5105
Thai One On	Carlsbad CA	760-500-8674
Marys Gourmet Salads	La Jolla CA	858-925-4690
Green Acres Campus 2020	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
Continental Catering Inc	La Mesa CA	907-738-9264
Paradise Point Resort BQT Kitchen	San Diego CA	858-490-6363
Bellamy's Restaurant	Escondido CA	760-747-5000
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Park Commons - ARE	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Belmont Park Entertainment	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Embassy Suites Downtown	San Diego CA	619-239-2400 ext 700
264 Fresco (Kitchen)	Carlsbad CA	760-720-3737
Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach	Solana Beach CA	858-212-8751
Paradise Point Resort Tidal	San Diego CA	858-490-6363
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
We Olive La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-551-8250
Secret Sister	San Diego CA	619-281-0718
Hilton Harbor Island	San Diego CA	619-291-6700
Extraordinary Desserts	San Diego CA	619-294-2132
Harbor View Hotel Ventures, LLC	San Diego CA	619-239-6800
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort	Carlsbad CA	760-602-0800
Cody's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0040
Starlite Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-358-9766
Tartine	Coronado CA	619-435-4323
PFC Fitness Camp	Carlsbad CA	888-488-8936
Creme de la Crepe	San Diego CA	619-771-8261
Royal Polaris Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-226-8030
Qero	Encinitas CA	702-334-8845
The Haven	San Diego CA	619-964-3778
Pitchers	San Diego CA	858-472-1251
Salt & Whiskey	San Diego CA	619-214-9519
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant	Oceanside CA	858-245-3780
Addison Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-350-7600
The Smoking Goat	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
The Market by Buon Appetito	San Diego CA	619-237-1335
Farmer and The Seahorse	San Diego CA	619-302-3682
Sisters Pizza	San Diego CA	858-228-6822
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
Hotel Palomar-Salt Box Banquets	San Diego CA	619-515-3003
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
Morgan Run Resort and Club	Rancho Sante Fe CA	858-759-5473
Brockton Villa Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-454-7393
University Club	San Diego CA	619-234-5200
Asti Ristorante	San Diego CA	619-232-8844
Dolce Pane & Vino	Del Mar CA	858-832-1518
Humphery's	San Diego CA	619-224-3577
Villa Capri Poway	Poway CA	858-391-9400
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Hornblower Cruises	San Diego CA	619-686-8733
The Tavern	Coronado CA	602-628-5890
Bernardo Heights Country Club	San Diego CA	858-487-4022
Vineyard Gourmet Catering	Temecula CA	951-858-1585
Catamaran	San Diego CA	858-488-1081
Mille Fleurs	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-3085
Alexander's on 30th	San Diego CA	858-774-3062
Hotel La Jolla & CUSP -CLK	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
Plant Based Meals	San Diego CA	858-255-0590
Booze Brothers Brewing Co.	Vista CA	760-639-8338
Parisien Gourmandises	La Jolla CA	858-352-6552
Artifact at Mingei	San Diego CA	619-846-2164

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Baby Spoon Spinach. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Zen and Spice		Spinach Tortellini Soup
Red and Honey		Blueberry and Spinach Muffins
My Cooking Hut		Spinach and Blue Cheese Quiche
Mimi Avocado		Lamb Sliders with Spinach
Play. Party. Plan.		5-Minute Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto
Little Broken		Cauliflower and Spinach "Mac" and Cheese
Six Sisters Stuff		Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta
Cooking Classy		Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad
Kleinworth & Co		Cheesy Spinach Crescents
Dizzy, Busy, and Hungry		Fiesta Lasagna

the other 37...

The Kitchen is My Playground		Wilted Spinach Salad
Katie at the Kitchen Door		Homemade Spinach Wraps with Chopped Greek Salad
Green Kitchen Stories		Gluten Free Spinach and Carrot Muffins
Eat Yourself Skinny		Spinach and Egg White Omelet
Bowl of Delicious		Slow Cooker Asparagus, Spinach, and Potato Soup
Nutmeg Nanny		Chicken Bacon Spinach Grilled Cheese
The Pretty Bee		Pasta with Creamy Spinach Sauce
Much Butter		Crispy Spinach Chips
She Cooks...He Cleans		Seared Scallops with Apple Cider-Balsamic Glaze
The Cooking Jar		Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
Dinner with Julie		Asparagus, Tomato and Spinach Frittata
Two Peas and Their Pod		5-Ingredient Spinach Parmesan Pasta
The Busy Baker		Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms
Healthy Little Foodies		Green Smoothie Pancakes
Rachel's Recipe Box		Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach
The Happy Foodie		Baby Spinach Salad with Dates and Almonds
Yup, It's Vegan		Easy Spinach Pesto Pasta
Frugal Farm Wife		Gluten-Free Breakfast Pizza
Play. Party. Plan.		Strawberry Spinach Salad
Radiate Food Vibes		The Ultimate Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Garnish with Lemon		Spinach Banana Protein Smoothie
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Spinach Muffins for Toddlers
SlimSanity		Spinach Protein Waffles
Ahead of Thyme		Spinach and Green Pea Soup
Little Broken		Artichoke and Spinach Roasted Salmon
Happy Healthy Mama		Baked Eggs and Spinach in Sweet Potato Boats
Rock Recipes		Spinach Pesto Papparedlle
Sweet As Honey		Creamy Spinach Dip
Basil & Bubbly		Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
A Cedar Spoon		Smoked Sausage, White Bean and Spinach Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts
Ahead of Thyme		Mediterranean Scrambled Eggs with Spinach, Tomato, and Feta
Recipe Runner		Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pizza
Simply So Healthy		Spinach Salad with Blueberry Balsamic and Warm Goat Cheese
Simple Healthy Kitchen		Spinach and Goat Cheese Hasselback Chicken
Big Flavors From A Tiny Kitchen		Baby Spinach and Cheddar Quiche
Grits and Pinecones		Spinach, Apple, and Cranberry Salad
Damn Delicious		Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

Recently Shared

Someone shared Baby Spoon Spinach using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.

Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.

Little Italy Farmers Market

HB Family Farm
San Luis Obispo, CA

Near San Diego, California, United States
About 246 days ago, 5/28/22