Spinach - Definition and Overview

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea, Amaranthaceae) is a vegetable grown for its edible leaves. It was first cultivated in Persia and the word itself derives from Persian اسفناج Esfenaj.

In popular folklore, spinach is supposed to be rich in iron; in reality it has about the same iron content as any other green vegetable. However, spinach is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E and several vital antioxidants.

Spinach's iron content had been determined in 1870 by Dr. E. von Wolf but a misplaced decimal point in his publication led to a figure ten times too high. In 1937, German chemists reinvestigated this "miracle vegetable" and corrected the mistake. It was described by T.J. Hamblin in British Medical Journal, December 1981.

Trivia

• Spinach is what gives cartoon character Popeye his superhuman strength.

Other species called "spinach"

• New Zealand spinach is a member of the Aizoaceae.
• Various nightshade and legume species, as well as cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons are also known as spinach, wild spinach, African spinach or morogo (in Southern Africa).

External link

Wikibooks Cookbook has more about this subject:

Spinach

• Overview of Spinach from Innvista (http://www.innvista.com/health/foods/vegetables/spinach.htm)