Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae, native to central and southwestern Asia. It is an annual plant (rarely biennial), which grows to a height of up to one metre. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to triangular-based, very variable in size from about 3-30 cm long and 1-15 cm broad, with larger leaves at the base of the plant and small leaves higher on the flowering stem. The flowers are inconspicuous, yellow-green, 3-4 mm diameter, maturing into a small hard dry lumpy fruit cluster 5-10 mm across containing several seeds.
Cultivation and uses
Spinach is an important leaf vegetable, now grown throughout the temperate regions of the world. It is most productive in cool seasons and climates, since heat will cause the spinach to go to seed too early. When cooked, its volume is decreased by three quarters.
History
Spinach was first cultivated in southwestern Asia, perhaps in Persia. The word itself is derived from the Persian word اسفناج Esfenaj. The Chinese referred to it in 647 as 'the herb of Persia'.
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Boston Market's Creamed Spinach - Made with frozen spinich.
Meta Description: [ A copycat recipe for Creamed Spinach - A blend of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream and garlic with spinach to create a rich, flavorful side dish. ]
Catalan Spinach - Traditional, regional side dish with raisins and pine nuts.
Meta Description: [ Find delicious fruit recipes, like catalan spinach, and other Spanish/Portuguese recipes at Epicurious.com ]
404German Style Spinach - Made with frozen spinach, bacon, garlic, and nutmeg.
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Greek Spinach and Cheese Pie (Spanakopita) - Requires two pounds spinach, olive oil, onion, scallions, eggs, feta cheese, kefalotiri or Parmesan cheese, and phyllo dough.
Just Vegetable Recipes - Spinach Recipes. - Extensive collection of recipes using spinach as a main ingredient.
Meta Description: [ 1,198 different Spinach recipes. Over 225,000 recipes available, each has an ingredient listing, preparation instructions and a printer-friendly version. ]
Palak Paneer - Dish made from spinach and paneer cheese.
Meta Description: [ Palak Paneer. Spinach Paneer. Spinach Cheese. Award Winning Authentic Indian Recipes website. Indian curry recipes,Indian Food Recipes,Indian Vegetarian Recipes,Indian Cuisine,East Indian recipes,Indian Chicken curry,Free Indian recipes,Healthy Indian recipes,Easy Indian recipes,Indian Appetizers... ]
Passover Spinach Squares - Requires leek, egg whites, lemon juice, garlic, and other spices.
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RecipeWorld - Spinach Recipes - A collection including muffins, quiche, and dips.
Meta Description: [ Spinach recipes ]
Spinach Casserole - A spinach version of the popular green bean-onion casserole.
Meta Description: [ Recipe for Spinach Casserole--from the East Valley Jewish Community Center (JCC). ]
Spinach Recipes - Almost 90 recipes for salads, main dishes, side dishes, pasta dishes, and various ethnic dishes; at RecipeSource.com
Spinach Recipes - Vegan recipes include several with chickpeas, a lentil-spinach stew, and a spinach and potato curry.
Meta Description: [ Vegan recipes and cookery articles, by Kake. ]
Spinach, Tomato, and Feta Omelet - A simple breakfast recipe.
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