National Spinach Day

A child happily eating a bowl of spinach, wearing a superhero cape and surrounded by toys.. — National spinach day illustration

Welcome to the incredibly nuanced world of national days, where celebrations don't always make sense, but they are always a great conversation starter! Today we're diving deep into the healthier side of things with the much-loved National Spinach Day. An iron-rich leaf that has constantly been the bane of many a child's dinner plates.

When is Spinach Day?

It's national spinach day on the 26th March.

The Origins of National Spinach Day

It’s often difficult to pinpoint the origins of national days. It seems one moment everyone’s happily eating french fries, and the next, we’re basking in the glory of spinach. That being said, our data suggests the substantial spinach celebration picked up steam in 2015, with mentions peaking dramatically on March 26th.

The Story of Spinach

This wonderful vegetable was first cultivated in Persia (modern Iran and neighbouring countries) over 2000 years ago and has been enriching our dishes (and nutritional intake) ever since. It’s been a favourite of cartoons (remember Popeye?), neater recipes and health enthusiasts alike.

The Love for Leafy Greens

Despite being lamented by children (and some adults!) worldwide, this humble veggie has seen its day in the sun. Our data shows a whopping 4548 mentions online. Incredible, isn’t it? For a leafy green that can be a tough sell at the dinner table, it's gotten a lot of love online. Maybe it's the health benefits, or maybe it's the unexpected versatility of spinach in dishes, but the internet community sure seems to love their greens.

Make Sure to Celebrate

So mark your calendars, folks! Every March 26th, join countless other spinach enthusiasts from around the internet in celebrating this wonderfully nutritious leaf. Whether you blend it into a smoothie, bake it into a pie, or simply enjoy it in a salad, make sure to give this classic green its due.

History behind the term 'Spinach'

7th century

Ancient Origins

Spinach has its roots in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and was first cultivated in the 7th century. It was known as 'aspanakh' in Persian, which means 'the green vegetable.' The Persians introduced spinach to the Mediterranean regions and China, gradually spreading its popularity.

12th century

Arrival in Europe

During the 12th century, Arab agronomists brought spinach to Spain. Its cultivation spread across Europe, where it gained prominence as a staple leafy green vegetable. Initially, it was primarily used for medicinal purposes due to its high nutritional value and health benefits.

16th century

Popeye and Popularity

Spinach gained widespread popularity in the 16th century thanks to its inclusion in various European cuisines. It became a favorite ingredient in many dishes, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. However, spinach's fame skyrocketed in the 20th century with the advent of the iconic fictional character 'Popeye the Sailor Man,' who showcased the incredible strength-boosting properties of spinach.

18th century

Botanical Classification

In the 18th century, spinach was classified botanically under the scientific name Spinacia oleracea. This classification solidified its distinct identity within the plant kingdom. Spinach belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, which includes a variety of leafy greens.

19th century

Nutritional Discoveries

During the 19th century, spinach's nutritional value gained recognition. Scientists discovered that spinach is an excellent source of various essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and fiber. Its reputation as a nutrient powerhouse further fueled its popularity.

20th century

Global Cultivation and Modern Uses

Spinach is now cultivated worldwide due to its adaptability to various climates. It is a key ingredient in countless dishes, ranging from salads to smoothies to main courses. Spinach is also widely frozen and canned to ensure year-round availability. Its versatility and health benefits have solidified its place as one of the most beloved leafy greens globally.

Did you know?

Did you know spinach has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially when fresh, steamed, or quickly boiled? That's quite a superfood!