Baby Spoon Spinach

Estimated Inventory, 4 lbs : 79.00
This item was last sold on : 06/11/25

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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.

Gravity Heights Mission Valley	San Diego CA	619-384-5993
Hotel Republic San Diego	San Diego CA	951-756-9357
Birdseye Rooftop	San Diego CA	619-206-7220
Sonny's Pizza	San Diego CA	619-432-1838
Smoking Gun	San Diego CA	619-276-6700
Coya Peruvian Secret	Del Mar CA	619-295-3172
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC	San Marcos CA	508-320-6644
Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
264 Fresco (Kitchen)	Carlsbad CA	760-720-3737
Sets Kitchen and Bar	San Marcos CA	970-390-2148
Barleymash	San Diego CA	619-255-7373
Burgo Direct	Chula Vista CA	619-793-2325
Parisien Gourmandises	La Jolla CA	858-352-6552
Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach	Solana Beach CA	858-212-8751
Carolines Seaside Cafe	La Jolla CA	619-646-1481
Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill	Oceanside CA	760-407-8500
Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar	San Diego CA	619-840-7000
Humphrey's	San Diego CA	619-224-3577
US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121

the other 113...

Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Dolce Pane & Vino	Del Mar CA	858-832-1518
Farmer and The Seahorse	San Diego CA	619-302-3682
Comedor Nishi	La Jolla CA	619-549-9919
Bayside Landing	San Diego CA	858-270-9200
Books and Records	San Diego CA	619-310-5298
Jake's Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-755-2002
Pacific Yacht Agents	Los Angeles CA	808-214-0970
Oscars Brewing Company	Temecula CA	619-695-2422
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego	San Diego CA	619-881-6900
Rustic Root	San Diego CA	619-232-1747
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Fay's Diner and Cafe	San Diego CA	661-858-8895
Cellar Hand	San Diego CA	334-689-2388
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Uptown Tavern	San Diego CA	619-683-9322
WineSellar & Brasserie	San Diego CA	858-450-9557
La Valle Coastal Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5473
University Club	San Diego CA	619-234-5200
Carte Hotel	San Diego CA	619-365-1858
Salt & Whiskey	San Diego CA	619-544-1886
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Stone Brewing-Liberty Station	San Diego CA	619-269-2100
One Door North	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Firefly Beach	San Diego CA	619-222-6440
Lilo	Carlsbad CA	619-385-0914
The Flavor Chef (Catering)	Vista CA	619-295-3172
Sheraton Carlsbad (Distribution Center)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Marys Gourmet Salads	La Jolla CA	858-925-4690
Garbatella Osteria Bar	Chula Vista CA	619-651-1185
Cucina Enoteca	Del Mar CA	619-239-2222
Cody's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0040
Kona Kai Resort and Marina	San Diego CA	619-221-8000
Brockton Villa Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-454-7393
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Hilton Mission Valley	San Diego CA	619-543-9000
Small Barn	Temecula CA	951-225-2822
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Wine Vault & Bistro	San Diego CA	619-295-3939
Mille Fleurs	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-3085
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
Culinary Concepts	San Diego CA	619-865-1918
Zanzibar at the Loft	La Jolla CA	858-210-5476
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Cliffhanger Cafe Menu	San Diego CA	858-452-9858
Alchemy Roasters	San Diego CA	916-718-2606
Beaumont's	San Diego CA	858-459-0474
Bea Green Cold Pressed Juice	Alpine CA	619-398-6295
Hyatt Islandia	San Diego CA	619-224-1234
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
Mission Bay Yacht Club	San Diego CA	858-488-0501
Madi	San Diego CA	320-491-1217
Marriott Gaslamp	San Diego CA	619-696-0234 x6051
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Park Commons - ARE	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Snooze H.C, LLC	San Diego CA	619-500-3344
Le Papagayo (Carlsbad)	Carlsbad CA	949-235-5862
California Center for the Arts	Escondido CA	760-839-4107
Mission Bay Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-201-7551
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
The Guild Hotel	San Diego CA	619-764-5108
Fort Oak	San Diego CA	619-795-6901
The Haven (Pizzeria)	San Diego CA	619-964-3778
Sugar and Scribe	La Jolla CA	858-274-1733
Rustic Root Solana	Solana Beach CA	619-955-5750
Huntress (Banquet)	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery	San Diego CA	858-551-5105
Rancho Bernardo Inn	San Diego CA	877-517-9340
Marriott Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-3000 x6335
Food by Chef Ty	Vista CA	424-278-8626
Alila Marea Beach Resort	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
Peace Pies (Encinitas)	Encinitas CA	619-618-6960
The Tavern	Coronado CA	602-628-5890
Le Coq	La Jolla CA	858-427-1500
Four Seasons Residence Club	Carlsbad CA	760-603-6360
Plant Based Meals	San Diego CA	858-255-0590
Extraordinary Desserts	San Diego CA	619-294-2132
Bernardo Heights Country Club	San Diego CA	858-487-4022
American Pizza Manufacturing	La Jolla CA	858-246-6756
Himitsu	La Jolla CA	858-345-0220
The Market by Buon Appetito	San Diego CA	619-237-1335
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Jack & Giulio's	San Diego CA	619-294-2074
Del Mar Country Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5995
The Roxy Encinitas	Encinitas CA	760-230-2899
Crust Pizzeria-Carmel	San Diego CA	858-212-8751
Lafayette Hotel - Beginners Diner	San Diego CA	619-296-2101
SIE Culinary Management	San Diego CA	858-964-8677
Green Acres Campus	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
We Olive La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-551-8250
Vulture / Dreamboat	San Diego CA	858-342-3609
Whiskey Girl	San Diego CA	619-236-1616
Third Corner Ocean Beach	San Diego CA	619-223-2700
Savory Moment (1)	Carlsbad CA	619-633-8863
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Seneca	San Diego CA	619-588-2411
Marriott Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-369-6029
Tartine	Coronado CA	619-435-4323
Panama 66	San Diego CA	619-206-6352
Fairmont Grand Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-314-1975
Villa Capri Poway	Poway CA	858-391-9400
The Seabird Resort	Oceanside CA	442-222-9505
Public House 131	San Diego CA	858-537-0890
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort	Carlsbad CA	760-602-0800
InterContinental Vistal Bar	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Third Corner Encinitas	Encinitas CA	760-942-2104
Estancia Adobe	San Diego CA	858-550-1000
Encontro North Park	San Diego CA	310-955-6333

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Baby Spoon Spinach. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Grits and Pinecones		Spinach, Apple, and Cranberry Salad
Recipe Runner		Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pizza
Simple Healthy Kitchen		Spinach and Goat Cheese Hasselback Chicken
The Kitchen is My Playground		Wilted Spinach Salad
The Pretty Bee		Pasta with Creamy Spinach Sauce
Red and Honey		Blueberry and Spinach Muffins
Garnish with Lemon		Spinach Banana Protein Smoothie
Six Sisters Stuff		Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta
Green Kitchen Stories		Gluten Free Spinach and Carrot Muffins
Yup, It's Vegan		Easy Spinach Pesto Pasta

the other 37...

Happy Healthy Mama		Baked Eggs and Spinach in Sweet Potato Boats
Big Flavors From A Tiny Kitchen		Baby Spinach and Cheddar Quiche
My Cooking Hut		Spinach and Blue Cheese Quiche
Mimi Avocado		Lamb Sliders with Spinach
Little Broken		Cauliflower and Spinach "Mac" and Cheese
Rock Recipes		Spinach Pesto Papparedlle
Kleinworth & Co		Cheesy Spinach Crescents
Radiate Food Vibes		The Ultimate Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Basil & Bubbly		Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Katie at the Kitchen Door		Homemade Spinach Wraps with Chopped Greek Salad
Healthy Little Foodies		Green Smoothie Pancakes
Dinner with Julie		Asparagus, Tomato and Spinach Frittata
Rachel's Recipe Box		Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach
The Cooking Jar		Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
Zen and Spice		Spinach Tortellini Soup
Two Peas and Their Pod		5-Ingredient Spinach Parmesan Pasta
SlimSanity		Spinach Protein Waffles
Bowl of Delicious		Slow Cooker Asparagus, Spinach, and Potato Soup
Play. Party. Plan.		Strawberry Spinach Salad
Little Broken		Artichoke and Spinach Roasted Salmon
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Spinach Muffins for Toddlers
Sweet As Honey		Creamy Spinach Dip
She Cooks...He Cleans		Seared Scallops with Apple Cider-Balsamic Glaze
Cooking Classy		Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad
Simply So Healthy		Spinach Salad with Blueberry Balsamic and Warm Goat Cheese
Frugal Farm Wife		Gluten-Free Breakfast Pizza
A Cedar Spoon		Smoked Sausage, White Bean and Spinach Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts
Much Butter		Crispy Spinach Chips
Play. Party. Plan.		5-Minute Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto
Nutmeg Nanny		Chicken Bacon Spinach Grilled Cheese
Eat Yourself Skinny		Spinach and Egg White Omelet
Dizzy, Busy, and Hungry		Fiesta Lasagna
The Busy Baker		Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms
Damn Delicious		Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
The Happy Foodie		Baby Spinach Salad with Dates and Almonds
Ahead of Thyme		Mediterranean Scrambled Eggs with Spinach, Tomato, and Feta
Ahead of Thyme		Spinach and Green Pea Soup