Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Spinach is a leafy green producing succulent, dark green, spoon-shaped leaves. It offers a subtle, yet assertive vegetal flavor often with iron or metallic notes. Depending upon variety and maturity, Spinach can be sweet, earthy, nutty and even tangy.
Seasons/Availability
Spinach is available year-round.
Current Facts
Spinach, botanically classified as Spinacia oleracea, has three varieties: savoy, semi savoy and flat-leafed. The savoy spinach has crinkled leaves and is the primary commercial type. Semi-savoy has partially crinkled leaves and is most often processed but can also be found in markets, while flat-leafed is mainly processed. Spinach seeds come in two varieties, round and prickly, the variety of seed having no impact on the type of spinach grown from it. Some trace the name Spinach to a Latin in origin, Spinacia, which translates to "spine" referring to the spiny seed coat found on some spinach seeds. Others say it gets its name from the old Persian word aspanakh.
Nutritional Value
An excellent source of antioxidants, Spinach has four times the beta carotene of broccoli. Its high lutein content helps to lower cholesterol and aid in eye health. Spinach also contains carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron and folic acid. For best nutritional value, eat raw or slightly cooked.
Applications
Spinach can be eaten fresh or cook and stands up well to heat, baking and sauteing. Use as in a salad mix or as a dark, leafy green. It is highly versatile and pairs well with spring vegetables, citrus, berries, eggs, nuts, bacon, pasta, cream and fresh cheeses. Flavor with Indian or Middle Eastern spices, creams, ginger, garlic, shallots, chiles and soy. Spinach will keep, dry and refrigerated, for one to two weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Dishes that include Spinach are often referred to as “Florentine” or “à la Florentine” in reference to Florence, Italy. It was said that the 16th century queen Catherine de Médicis, who was born in Florence, loved the vegetable so much that she took her Italian chefs with her when she married and relocated to France.
Geography/History
Spinach is a native to Persia, and today it is still found growing wild in modern day Iran. The domestic cultivation of Spinach goes back over two millennia when it was first brought to China in 647 BC. Trade routes are most likely to thank for its European introduction, when the Sicilians imported Spinach sometime during the ninth century. It later spread to Spain and England and was known by a plethora of aliases such as spinech, spinage, spinnedge, or even spynoches. Spinach thrives in cool temperatures and sandy soil with conservative watering.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Grass Skirt | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Roots Craft Juice | Oceanside CA | 760-708-8859 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Pali Wine Company | San Diego CA | 310-893-0038 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Extraordinary Desserts Union St. | San Diego CA | 619-294-7001 |
| Moxy San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-376-1850 |
| Green Acres Campus 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Spinach. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared 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.
|
North Park Thursday Market
Rodney Kawano Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 73 days ago, 11/11/21 
Little Italy Farmers Market
HB Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesSan Luis Obispo, CA About 113 days ago, 10/02/21 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Golden Heart Family Farms
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesSan Bernardino, CA About 126 days ago, 9/19/21 Sharer's comments : Generous spinach bunches will be a perfect addition to my pesto tonight! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 286 days ago, 4/12/21 Sharer's comments : Spinach with roots from Dacquisto Farms 
Ballard Farmer's Market
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesAbout 301 days ago, 3/28/21 Sharer's comments : Beautiful, tiny spinach starters packed with life and ready to be transplanted! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 310 days ago, 3/19/21 Sharer's comments : Bunches Soinach w/ roots from Dacquisto Farms 
Kazakhfilm micro district, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Ecofreshmarket
California, United StatesKazakhfilm micro district, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 355 days ago, 2/02/21 Sharer's comments : Spinach grown in greenhouses next to Almaty |
