SPINACH: TASTE, HEALTH AND... HISTORY!

Spinach are very well known and appreciated vegetables, present in the daily diet but also in nutritional advice and, not least, in health drinks that are often prepared at home or proposed in modern restaurants.

Their origin and, above all, their relationship with man sinks into history. They were in fact already known in the seventh century AD with the name of "Persian vegetables"; they originated in Iran and were brought to China by merchants from India. Since ancient times they were highly appreciated for their versatility compared to many other vegetables but, above all, also for the characteristic of being more productive and having an excellent yield.

Despite this, it is good to remember that they were not known by Greeks and Romans but were introduced to Europe in the eleventh century by Arab invaders through Spain. The latter managed to make them thrive even in warm areas thanks to the development of an effective irrigation system. They are certainly vegetables that, over time, have been able to conquer the tastes and agricultural production especially of certain places and / or countries. A significant example of this is provided by the South of France where they are particularly appreciated and are strongly rooted in local gastronomy.

In Italy they are associated above all with the history and traditional cuisine of some cities: Venice, Rome and, above all, Florence. From the latter, not surprisingly, take their name in classic cuisine all those preparations that contain our protagonists. A name and bond whose origin is still able to mix history and tradition, since it is believed that the practice just exposed derives from none other than Caterina De 'Medici, who brought her strong passion for spinach beyond the Alps. In history, however, their success was particularly strong especially in Northern Europe, in fact they became a fundamental vegetable in the diet because of their possibility of being grown in harsh climates.

Over time, the birth and spread of new varieties allowed spinach to be cultivated and have enormous success in many countries. The case of the New World, to which they were brought by the conquerors, is a significant example of what has just been stated. Just in America a considerable increase in the consumption of spinach occurred around the thirties thanks to the famous cartoon Popeye that made discover, in addition to the protein content, also the iron content of our protagonists. An incredible case of successful marketing, the story of this character was in fact commissioned by the producers of canned spinach in order to increase sales and encourage its consumption in children. An operation that had repercussions not only in American society but also in the culture of media and cartoons. The success was so great that the cartoon continued regardless of the initial purposes for which it was created.

Over time, science has attributed numerous virtues to these tasty vegetables: laxatives, invigorating, emollient and calming but also purifying and rich sources of vitamins and fibers. Together with taste, history and curiosity that make spinach extraordinary, thus reflecting their deep and lasting relationship with man and his diet. In Canada only a few hundred hectares are devoted to commercial production; however, spinach is very popular in home gardens.