National Spinach Day Date in the current year: March 26, 2024

It is believed that spinach originated in ancient Persia. Arab traders brought spinach to India, and it made its way to China from there. In the 10th century, spinach became popular in the Arab Mediterranean, particularly in Sicily. Green spinach leaves “conquered” Europe in the 1300s. Since spinach appears in early spring, it became a fast favorite, because other vegetables were scarce during the Lenten season.

Spinach gained popularity among the upper classes when Catherine de'Medici became the queen of France in 1522. She loved spinach so much that she ordered to serve it at every meal. Even today, some dishes containing spinach are referred to as “Florentine” because Catherine was born in Florence.

There are hundreds of ways to cook spinach. If you want it fresh, opt for a spinach salad or smoothie. You can also make spinach pizza or lasagna. Or maybe you would like to try a warm spinach dip? Today everything is possible, so celebrate National Spinach Day with any dish you want to honor one of the healthiest products.