Baby Spoon Spinach

Estimated Inventory, 4 lbs : 93.50
This item was last sold on : 03/13/25

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Description/Taste

Baby Spoon spinach is small in size, averaging 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter, and has a flat, round to oval shape with curved, smooth edges attached to slender, straight, and short stems. The vibrant green leaves are pliable, soft, and generally smooth, sometimes lightly textured with shallow veins, and the stems are light green with a firm, chewy nature. Baby Spoon spinach leaves are sturdy but also have a crisp, succulent, and tender consistency. The leaves should be saturated in color, void of bruising, and dry when selecting greens for culinary use. Baby Spoon spinach has a mild, clean, and delicate flavor with earthy, nutty, subtly sweet, and vegetal nuances.

Seasons/Availability

Baby Spoon spinach is available year-round.

Current Facts

Baby Spoon spinach, botanically classified as Spinacia oleracea, is a general descriptor for immature spinach greens belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. In the United States, flat-leaf, also known as smooth-leafed spinach, is the most popular type of spinach grown as Baby spinach. Flat-leaf spinach is known for its smooth surface, holding onto less grit and dirt, allowing the greens to be quickly washed and packaged for commercial markets. There are many different varieties of flat-leaf spinach grown, harvested, and marketed under the Baby Spoon spinach name, and the young greens earned their name for their small size, curved spoon-like appearance, and immature nature. Baby Spoon spinach is typically harvested 15 to 35 days after planting and is purposefully gathered in the plant's early growth stages for the green's mild, clean flavor, hardy nature, and tender, succulent texture. In modern-day markets, Baby Spoon spinach is almost exclusively found in prepackaged mixes, either sold on its own or combined with other baby greens into various blends. Baby Spoon spinach is primarily consumed fresh, but it is also occasionally used in select, cooked preparations.

Nutritional Value

Baby Spoon spinach is a source of folate to develop DNA and RNA, phosphorus to repair cellular tissue, and vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing. The greens also provide potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, vitamin E to reduce inflammation, and other nutrients, including zinc, calcium, vitamin A, magnesium, and iron. In addition to vitamins and minerals, Baby Spoon spinach has antioxidants to protect the cells against the damage caused by free radicals.

Applications

Baby Spoon spinach has a mild, clean, and earthy flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The young greens are commonly consumed raw, valued for their tender, crisp nature, and are tossed into salads or used as a bed of greens for roasted meats. Baby Spoon spinach can also be blended into smoothies, mixed into sauces, dressings, and dips, especially pesto, or combined with garlic into a flavored butter. In addition to raw preparations, Baby Spoon spinach can be incorporated into cooked dishes such as casseroles, pasta, soups, and stews. The young greens can be lightly wilted into main meat dishes, sauteed with aromatics as a simple side, or layered into lasagna. They can also be cooked into grains, mixed into egg-based dishes including quiche, frittatas, and omelets, stuffed into meats, or stirred into potato and vegetable-based dishes. Baby Spoon spinach pairs well with fruits such as apples, citrus, and berries, nuts including walnuts, almonds, and pine, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cheeses such as feta, parmesan, goat, and cheddar. Whole, unwashed Baby Spoon spinach should be stored in a sealed container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, keeping for 2 to 7 days in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In the United States, Baby spinach increased in popularity across the United States when it was used in bagged salad mixes. The young greens could be stored and shipped in packaged mixes without rapid decay due to their sturdier nature, and they could be washed and packed fresh without bruising. The history of packaged greens in the United States is intertwined with the creation of convenience foods. After World War II, American consumers began purchasing pre-made dinners as they grew tired of maintaining their home Victory Gardens. Around the same time, grocery stores were installing improved refrigeration systems, and new highways were constructed to reduce shipping times, allowing for more perishable items to be sold and shipped. In the 1980s, "value-added" products appeared on market shelves, beginning with Del Monte's pre-cut pineapple. With the success of the pre-packaged pineapple, produce companies began working on other bagged foods. Lettuce growers in California, especially in Salinas, initially tried packaging heads of lettuce chopped into smaller pieces. It was quickly discovered that the edges of the pieces were browned, leading the greens to lack visual appeal. Baby greens were tested for their ability to be packaged and kept whole and soon took over the entire packaged lettuce market. Baby spinach in the 1980s marked a period in American history when consumers shifted from eating canned or cooked spinach to eating fresh spinach. Consumers desired ready-to-eat fresh greens that could be prepared without extensive preparations, and Baby spinach eventually became one of the most popular types for pre-packaged mixes, even into the modern day.

Geography/History

Spinach is native to ancient Persia, now modern-day Iran, and was created from several wild species. Domesticated spinach was thought to have developed through selective breeding of wild, leafy greens, but much of the history of spinach is unknown. Over time, spinach was spread to neighboring countries around Persia through traders traveling through India and was introduced into Nepal and China sometime before 647 CE. Spinach was also brought to Italy around 827 CE through the Arabs, and by the 10th century, the plant was found throughout the Mediterranean. In the 13th through 16th centuries, spinach was extensively cultivated throughout Europe, creating new domesticated varieties. In the 18th century, Spinach was carried with European settlers to the United States. Thomas Jefferson grew several types of Spinach in his Monticello Estate Gardens around 1774, and by 1806, Spinach was being promoted in American seed catalogs. Spinach was heavily advertised throughout the United States in the early 20th century. By the late 20th century, pre-packaged salad mixes using Baby Spoon spinach marked the Baby spinach renaissance in modern markets. It is important to note that Baby spinach has been around since the dawn of domestication, but its popularity was never officially recorded until the late 20th century. Today California, Arizona, and Texas are the top spinach producers in the United States, and flat-leaf varieties are the most commercially grown in California for their easy-to-clean nature. In general, Baby Spoon spinach is grown worldwide and is primarily offered as a pre-packaged green in commercial markets. Baby greens can also be cultivated in home gardens and consumed as a fresh salad ingredient.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Marriott Courtyard - Broadway	San Diego CA	619-446-3008
Whiskey Girl	San Diego CA	619-236-1616
WineSellar & Brasserie	San Diego CA	858-450-9557
Comedor Nishi	La Jolla CA	619-549-9919
Sheraton Carlsbad (Distribution Center)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Dolce Pane & Vino	Del Mar CA	858-832-1518
Dot Cafe	San Diego CA	914-263-1424
InterContinental San Diego	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Miguel's Old Town	San Diego CA	619-298-9840
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Eddie V's Prime Seafood - EV# 8514	San Diego CA	619-615-0281
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Le Parfait Paris - Downtown	San Diego CA	619-245-4457
Continental Catering Inc	La Mesa CA	907-738-9264
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Rustic Root	San Diego CA	619-232-1747
Carte Hotel	San Diego CA	619-365-1858
Green Acres Campus	San Diego CA	858-450-9907

the other 119...

US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055
Madi	San Diego CA	320-491-1217
La Valle Coastal Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5473
The Smoking Goat	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Marriott Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-369-6029
American Pizza Manufacturing	La Jolla CA	858-246-6756
Communal Coffee	San Diego CA	619-305-9525
The Guild Hotel	San Diego CA	619-764-5108
Extraordinary Desserts	San Diego CA	619-294-2132
Le Papagayo (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	760-944-8252
Catania La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-551-5105
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Secret Sister	San Diego CA	619-281-0718
Himitsu	La Jolla CA	858-345-0220
Kitchens For Good	San Diego CA	619-450-4040
Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach	Solana Beach CA	858-212-8751
Stake Chophouse & Bar	Coronado CA	619-522-0077
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
Beaumont's	San Diego CA	858-459-0474
Rubicon Deli-UTC	San Diego CA	858-877-9911
Le Papagayo (Carlsbad)	Carlsbad CA	949-235-5862
Sugar and Scribe	La Jolla CA	858-274-1733
Parfait Paris (La Jolla)	La Jolla CA	619-319-7811
Brockton Villa Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-454-7393
Fairmont Grand Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-314-1975
Pendry SD	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen	Carlsbad CA	760-930-7063
The Crossings	Carlsbad CA	760-444-1800
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
We Olive La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-551-8250
Le Coq	La Jolla CA	858-427-1500
Kona Kai Resort and Marina	San Diego CA	619-221-8000
Mille Fleurs	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-3085
Giaola	Carlsbad CA	858-266-9303
Fort Oak	San Diego CA	619-795-6901
Marriott Gaslamp	San Diego CA	619-696-0234 x6051
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282
Coco Maya by Miss Bs	San Diego CA	858-245-3780
Tartine	Coronado CA	619-435-4323
Sets Kitchen and Bar	San Marcos CA	970-390-2148
Hilton Mission Valley	San Diego CA	619-543-9000
Del Mar Country Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5995
Hotel Republic San Diego	San Diego CA	951-756-9357
Zel's Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-755-0076
Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe	San Diego CA	831-247-5395
Crust Pizzeria-Carmel	San Diego CA	858-212-8751
Carolines Seaside Cafe	La Jolla CA	619-646-1481
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
Cardellino	San Diego CA	619-722-3398
Encontro North Park	San Diego CA	310-955-6333
Rancho Valencia New Restaurant	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Snooze H.C, LLC	San Diego CA	619-500-3344
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Bernardo Heights Country Club	San Diego CA	858-487-4022
Deeply Nourished	La Jolla CA	808-489-7366
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District	El Cajon CA	619-644-7585
Bea Green Cold Pressed Juice	Alpine CA	619-398-6295
Alexander's on 30th	San Diego CA	858-774-3062
Boujiemana	San Diego CA	415-710-0510
Wheat & Water	La Jolla CA	858-291-8690
C 2 C	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Garbatella Osteria Bar	Chula Vista CA	619-651-1185
Jack & Giulio's	San Diego CA	619-294-2074
Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery	San Diego CA	858-551-5105
Terra Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-293-7088
Rustic Root Solana	Solana Beach CA	619-955-5750
Villa Capri Poway	Poway CA	858-391-9400
The Seabird Resort	Oceanside CA	951-704-9703
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Firefly Beach	San Diego CA	619-222-6440
Peace Pies (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	619-618-6960
The Tavern	Coronado CA	602-628-5890
Cliffhanger Cafe Menu	San Diego CA	858-452-9858
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet)	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
Humphrey's	San Diego CA	619-224-3577
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Farmer and The Seahorse	San Diego CA	619-302-3682
Vogue Tavern	Chula Vista CA	619-371-3322
Alila Marea Beach Resort	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
University Club	San Diego CA	619-234-5200
Choi's	San Diego CA	858-900-1224
Crest Cafe	San Diego CA	619-295-2510
Third Corner Ocean Beach	San Diego CA	619-223-2700
Public House 131	San Diego CA	858-537-0890
Omni Hotels	San Diego CA	619-231-6664
Luce	San Diego CA	619-275-2094
Extraordinary Desserts Union St.	San Diego CA	619-294-7001
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Pendry SD (Provisional)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Marys Gourmet Salads	La Jolla CA	858-925-4690
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines	La Jolla CA	858-450-4581
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Wayfarer Bread	La Jolla CA	805-709-0964
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Coya Peruvian Secret	Del Mar CA	619-295-3172
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC	San Marcos CA	508-320-6644
Park Commons - ARE	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Zanzibar at the Loft	La Jolla CA	858-210-5476
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
264 Fresco (Kitchen)	Carlsbad CA	760-720-3737
Oscars Brewing Company	Temecula CA	619-695-2422
Cody's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0040
Huntress (Banquet)	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Culinary Concepts	San Diego CA	619-865-1918
Smoking Gun	San Diego CA	619-276-6700
Peace Pies	San Diego CA	619-618-6960
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	619-816-8319
Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering	San Diego CA	619-436-7006
Birdseye Rooftop	San Diego CA	619-206-7220
Savory Moment (1)	Carlsbad CA	619-633-8863
Mission Bay Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-201-7551

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Baby Spoon Spinach. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Simple Healthy Kitchen		Spinach and Goat Cheese Hasselback Chicken
Dinner with Julie		Asparagus, Tomato and Spinach Frittata
Healthy Little Foodies		Green Smoothie Pancakes
Basil & Bubbly		Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Red and Honey		Blueberry and Spinach Muffins
She Cooks...He Cleans		Seared Scallops with Apple Cider-Balsamic Glaze
The Cooking Jar		Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
Six Sisters Stuff		Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta
Katie at the Kitchen Door		Homemade Spinach Wraps with Chopped Greek Salad
Zen and Spice		Spinach Tortellini Soup

the other 37...

Rachel's Recipe Box		Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach
Damn Delicious		Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
Green Kitchen Stories		Gluten Free Spinach and Carrot Muffins
Grits and Pinecones		Spinach, Apple, and Cranberry Salad
The Happy Foodie		Baby Spinach Salad with Dates and Almonds
Happy Healthy Mama		Baked Eggs and Spinach in Sweet Potato Boats
Recipe Runner		Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pizza
Play. Party. Plan.		5-Minute Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto
SlimSanity		Spinach Protein Waffles
Rock Recipes		Spinach Pesto Papparedlle
Little Broken		Artichoke and Spinach Roasted Salmon
Two Peas and Their Pod		5-Ingredient Spinach Parmesan Pasta
Mimi Avocado		Lamb Sliders with Spinach
Sweet As Honey		Creamy Spinach Dip
The Kitchen is My Playground		Wilted Spinach Salad
Kleinworth & Co		Cheesy Spinach Crescents
A Cedar Spoon		Smoked Sausage, White Bean and Spinach Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts
Ahead of Thyme		Spinach and Green Pea Soup
Dizzy, Busy, and Hungry		Fiesta Lasagna
Garnish with Lemon		Spinach Banana Protein Smoothie
The Pretty Bee		Pasta with Creamy Spinach Sauce
Yup, It's Vegan		Easy Spinach Pesto Pasta
The Busy Baker		Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms
My Cooking Hut		Spinach and Blue Cheese Quiche
Frugal Farm Wife		Gluten-Free Breakfast Pizza
Eat Yourself Skinny		Spinach and Egg White Omelet
Cooking Classy		Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad
Simply So Healthy		Spinach Salad with Blueberry Balsamic and Warm Goat Cheese
Bowl of Delicious		Slow Cooker Asparagus, Spinach, and Potato Soup
Little Broken		Cauliflower and Spinach "Mac" and Cheese
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Spinach Muffins for Toddlers
Radiate Food Vibes		The Ultimate Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Nutmeg Nanny		Chicken Bacon Spinach Grilled Cheese
Play. Party. Plan.		Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ahead of Thyme		Mediterranean Scrambled Eggs with Spinach, Tomato, and Feta
Much Butter		Crispy Spinach Chips
Big Flavors From A Tiny Kitchen		Baby Spinach and Cheddar Quiche