See also: Article on Spinach;   Spinach Quotes
Spinach Recipes

SPINACH

U.S. Spinach per capita usage

 

1970

1980

1990

2000

2011

Total

---

1.8 lbs

1.4 lbs

2.5 lbs

3.0 lbs

Fresh

0.3 lbs

0.4 lbs

0.8 lbs

1.4 lbs

4.8 lbs

Canned

n/a

0.6 lbs

0.4 lbs

0.2 lbs

0.1 lbs

Frozen

0.7 lbs

0.8 lbs

0.2 lbs

0.9 lbs

1.1 lbs

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service


Spinach: Top 5 Producing Countries       (USDA)

 

2000

2010

World totals

20.8 billion lbs

39.79 billion lbs

China

15.35 billion lbs

35.26 billion lbs

United States

730 million lbs

780 million lbs

Japan

700 million lbs

590 million lbs

Turkey

450 million lbs

480 million lbs

Indonesia

140 million lbs

340 million lbs


According to the USDA, 40,100 acres of Spinach were harvested for the fresh market in 2009. 
An additional 10,100 acres were harvested for processing: 9,700 acres for freezing and 400 acres for canning.

Spinach

Spinach is believed to be of Persian origin and introduced into Europe in the 15th century. Since the early 19th century, spinach has been a versatile and commonly used vegetable in the United States.    (CDC.gov)


19th century cookbooks called for boiling spinach for 25 minutes!

In 1929 Popeye the spinach loving sailor first appeared in the comic strip 'Thimble Theatre.'  Elzie Segar created Popeye.

In 1937 Spinach growers in the U.S. erected a statue in honor of Popeye the comic strip sailor.

Spinach was the first frozen vegetable to be sold.

SPECIAL NOTE - Iron and calcium in plant foods are not highly absorbed by the body. Spinach contains a chemical called oxalic acid, which binds with iron and calcium and reduces the absorption of these minerals. To improve iron absorption, spinach should be eaten with vitamin C-rich foods such as orange juice, tomatoes, or citrus fruit.   (CDC.gov)
 

 

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