SPINACH

U.S. Spinach per capita usage
	1970	1980	1990	2000	2011
Total	---	1.8 lbs	1.4 lbs	2.5 lbs	3.0 lbs
Fresh	0.3 lbs	0.4 lbs	0.8 lbs	1.4 lbs	4.8 lbs
Canned	n/a	0.6 lbs	0.4 lbs	0.2 lbs	0.1 lbs
Frozen	0.7 lbs	0.8 lbs	0.2 lbs	0.9 lbs	1.1 lbs
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Spinach: Top 5 Producing Countries (USDA)

2000
2010
World totals
20.8 billion lbs
39.79 billion lbs
China
15.35 billion lbs
35.26 billion lbs
United States
730 million lbs
780 million lbs
Japan
700 million lbs
590 million lbs
Turkey
450 million lbs
480 million lbs
Indonesia
140 million lbs
340 million lbs

According to the USDA, 40,100 acres of Spinach were harvested for the fresh market in 2009.
An additional 10,100 acres were harvested for processing: 9,700 acres for freezing and 400 acres for canning.

Spinach

Spinach is believed to be of Persian origin and introduced into Europe in the 15th century. Since the early 19th century, spinach has been a versatile and commonly used vegetable in the United States. (CDC.gov)

19th century cookbooks called for boiling spinach for 25 minutes!

In 1929 Popeye the spinach loving sailor first appeared in the comic strip 'Thimble Theatre.' Elzie Segar created Popeye.

In 1937 Spinach growers in the U.S. erected a statue in honor of Popeye the comic strip sailor.

Spinach was the first frozen vegetable to be sold.

SPECIAL NOTE - Iron and calcium in plant foods are not highly absorbed by the body. Spinach contains a chemical called oxalic acid, which binds with iron and calcium and reduces the absorption of these minerals. To improve iron absorption, spinach should be eaten with vitamin C-rich foods such as orange juice, tomatoes, or citrus fruit. (CDC.gov)

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Spinach: Top 5 Producing Countries (USDA)
	2000	2010
World totals	20.8 billion lbs	39.79 billion lbs
China	15.35 billion lbs	35.26 billion lbs
United States	730 million lbs	780 million lbs
Japan	700 million lbs	590 million lbs
Turkey	450 million lbs	480 million lbs
Indonesia	140 million lbs	340 million lbs