The spinach day that occurs every year on March 26 reminds us of the health benefits inherent in this green leafy vegetable. Spinach is not only healthy but also very tasty and there are many wonderful ways to combine it in many different foods and enjoy it.
You can eat it baked in a pie, cooked in a patty or pancake, fresh in a salad or sandwich, in a spinach puff pastry, as an addition to a pizza, add it to a fruit or vegetable smoothie and anything you can think of!
Spinach is an annual plant with green leaves used for food and medicine. The plant originates from Central Asia. Spinach has three main varieties classified by leaf type. The taste of the leaves and their nutritional composition vary according to the seasons.
The spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia. From there Arab merchants brought it to India and then to Nepal and then to ancient China. In the past, spinach was called a "Persian vegetable."
During her reign as Queen of France, in the 16th century, Catherine de 'Medici enjoyed spinach so much that it was served to her at every meal. To this day, there are spinach dishes called "Florentine" and the origin of the name is Queen Katrina's birthplace, Florence.
Spinach is a good source of iron, calcium, folic acid, fiber, protein and vitamins A, C and K. It is full of antioxidants that fight cancer. It is believed to help improve cardiovascular and intestinal health.
Types of spinach:
Savoy: Dark green color with curly leaves; Usually sold in fresh bundles.
Spinach Smooth Leaves: Large and smooth leaves; Grown mainly in canned and frozen spinach, for soups, baby food and processed foods.
Semi Savoy: A hybrid variety with shriveled leaves: sold fresh and processed.
How to celebrate Spinach Day?
There are lots of ways to celebrate, and the main thing is to eat spinach in any way you like and best when it is fresh for health!
