Spinach

Spinach was cultivated in Persia several thousands of years ago and made its way to Europe via the Arab world. It arrived in England in around about 14th Centuary probably from Spain. Our children these days probably will only link it with the cartoon character Popeye! It is wonderful served with butter on its own and the Italians have hundreds of dishes for it. It is rich in antioxidants and an excellent source of vitamin C if eaten raw.