Fresh Spinach Day is celebrated annually on July 16 to emphasize the many health benefits of fresh spinach. It’s not all fantasy that Popeye gains superhuman strength after consuming his canned spinach. Because, in reality, spinach can boost your health. From improving bone health to lowering the risk of cancer, spinach got you covered. Fresh Spinach Day reminds you to add this healthy leaf vegetable to your meals or smoothies. Creamed spinach, spinach dip, sautéed spinach, green smoothie – strongly yummy.
History of Fresh Spinach Day
Spinach is said to be originating in Persia, and it was later brought to India and China via Nepal in 647 A.D. – known as ‘Persian green’ in China. Spinach was then introduced to Sicily by the Saracens in 827 A.D. It was later brought to Spain by the Arabs in the late 12th century, called ‘the chief of leafy greens.’ It then spread to England and France in the 14th century, known for a while as ‘the Spanish vegetable’ in England. In the U.S., spinach became popular in the 1800s. In the 1930s, there was a boost in spinach consumption due to the fame of Popeye.Spinach has three main types: flat-leaf and savoy. Flat-leaf spinach or smooth-leaf spinach features flat and smooth leaves, hence the name. This type is typically grown for freezing and canning. It grows faster and yields more, and it’s easier to clean. On the other hand, the savoy type, with curly and crinkly leaves, is preferred for the use of the home garden and fresh market. It usually looks and tastes better and keeps longer than flat-leaf. Besides, it has less oxalic acid than flat-leaf. There’s also semi-savoy type spinach whose leaves are partially curly and crinkly.Spinach is rich in nutrients, raw or cooked. If you consume raw spinach, you’ll likely absorb more folate, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, and vitamin C. Raw spinach is packed with fiber and water. And since raw spinach is quite flavorless, it’s easier to blend with sweet smoothies. When it comes to cooked spinach, you’ll likely absorb more of the iron and calcium that it provides. Besides, the amounts of vitamin A and E in cooked spinach are increased. So, whether you consume raw or cooked spinach, it will still give you the nutrients that your body needs.
Fresh Spinach Day timeline
Spinach is brought to India and China.
The Saracens introduce spinach to Sicily.
Spinach is brought to Spain by the Arabs.
Spinach arrives in England and France.
Fresh Spinach Day FAQs
How much spinach do you need a day?
It’s recommended to eat two cups of spinach daily.
What happens if you eat spinach every day?
You can lower your cholesterol if you eat spinach every day.
Is spinach healthier raw or cooked?
Spinach is reportedly best consumed raw.
Fresh Spinach Day Activities
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Enjoy raw spinach
Whether it be salad, smoothie, or juice, raw spinach will give you nothing but nutrients. Treat yourself to spinach-based foods and drinks to celebrate the day.
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Spread the word
Some people may not know about the benefits that fresh spinach provides. Tell others so that they can also take advantage of this superfood and participate in celebrating its special day.
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Try different recipes
If you are used to consuming raw spinach, it’s time for you to try different recipes on this day. You may want to try Shrimp & Avocado Spinach Salad, Apple Spinach Salad, Sweet & Savory Spinach Salad, or Strawberry Spinach Salad.
5 Facts About Spinach You Need To Know
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It’s 91% water
Raw spinach is 91% water, so it’s good for hydration.
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Its oxalates can cause kidney stones
The oxalates contained in spinach can cause kidney stones in those sensitive to oxalates.
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China is the largest producer of it
China is the country with the world’s highest production of spinach, around 92% of the world’s production.
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California is U.S.’s top spinach supplier
California accounts for almost 75% of the U.S.’s production of spinach.
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Birds Eye pioneered in advertising it
In 1949, Birds Eye was the first-ever company that advertised frozen spinach.
Why We Love Fresh Spinach Day
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It’s healthy
Spinach still provides benefits whether we consume it raw or cooked. We can combine it with other vegetables or fruits if we want a salad. We can also add it to a strawberry smoothie, for example. And the spinach won’t have much effect on the taste of the strawberry.
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It’s versatile
Some say that spinach is best consumed raw. But, if we want it cooked, the spinach won’t lose its nutrients. So, we can make it tasty and healthy at the same time.
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It’s a reminder
In case some of us forgot to incorporate spinach into our meals, Fresh Spinach Day is here to remind us. Then, we won’t miss our daily intake of this superfood.
Fresh Spinach Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 16 | Sunday |
| 2024 | July 16 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | July 16 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | July 16 | Thursday |
| 2027 | July 16 | Friday |
