Growing Spinach Is An Easy Way To Cheap Nutrition

The word ‘spinach’ in English is commonly used as a generic term for many different leafy vegetables that are boiled or steamed. Perhaps the most correct application of the word for those growing spinach is Spinacia oleracea. This is the traditional plant that some may consider as having exclusive rights to the word.

This plant which belongs to the family Amarathaceae is an annual which grows about 12 inches high with broad triangular green leaves. The inconspicuous flowers are not ideal as decorative items but the leaves have been relished as a healthy food for centuries.

When picked fresh and boiled or steamed the leaves have a distinctively sharp taste in which one can almost taste the iron in which the leaf is rich. It is known to have anti-oxidants and other healthy qualities. Some of the vitamins known to be present are Vitamins are A, C, E, K and B2.

Originating in Persia, the plant was disseminated around the world by means of trade and conquest. It may even have been grown aboard ships as a sources of fresh vegetable. Around 647 AD it was introduced into China and has been a very important ingredient in Chinese cuisine since then.

The leafy vegetable first came to the attention of English writers some time in the fifteenth century It was said to have come Spain where it was a favorite with a queen originating in Florence, Italy. Apparently she ate it every day for health and beauty reasons. Dishes that include spinach are still called ‘Florentine’.

Although it experienced globalization long before the words was current it still prefers the temperate climate of its home country and will not grow in extreme cold and snow. It is best planted in Spring and harvested throughout the Summer. Planted in shallow rows, covered in about a quarter of an inch of fine soil and kept moist the seeds will germinate and grow swiftly. Growing plants respond well to extra applications of nitrogen.

The excellent thing about this crop is that it can be eaten when young and in its entirety. At first the thinned out plants may be eaten and as the plants grow bigger the leaves may be picked and cooked whilst the plant continues to grow. This makes it a very productive vegetable.

One problem associated with growing spinach is the fact that they might be attacked by insects. Healthy plants will be most resistant to insect attacks and if they are picked from a home garden one can at least be quite sure that they have not been sprayed with toxic substances.

And if you want to read even more on vegetable gardens and growing your own food, head over to VegetableGardensMadeEasy.com.