It's National Spinach Day!!

Spinach growing in a field

Have you ever eaten anything with "florentine" in the name?

If so, then you've eaten spinach and perhaps, didn't even know it.

Today is National Spinach Day, according to the National Day Calendar website, which states "not only are there so many delicious ways that you can enjoy spinach, it is also extremely good for you!"

"An annual plant, spinach is native to central and southwestern Asia. Thought to have originated in ancient Persia, Arab traders carried spinach into India, and then it was introduced into ancient China where it was known as 'Persian vegetable.'"

A bag of spinach

"The earliest available record of the spinach plant was recorded in Chinese, saying the spinach plant was introduced into China via Nepal. In 1533, Queen Catherine de Medici of France, liked spinach so much that she insisted it be served at every meal.  To this day, dishes made with spinach are known as “Florentine”, reflecting Catherine’s birth in Florence.

• Spinach is:

* Eaten raw or cooked and is available  fresh, frozen or canned. *  One of the best sources of iron. *  A great source of calcium, folic acid, fiber, protein, calcium and vitamins A, C and K. *  Is loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants. *  Believed to help improve cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.

So to celebrate today, eat a hearty helping of spinach. Or at least sprinkle some on top of your salad.