Garden spinach. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Free technical library

CULTURAL AND WILD PLANTS
Free library / Directory / Cultivated and wild plants

Garden spinach. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Directory / Cultivated and wild plants

Comments on the article

Content

Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Genus, family, origin, range, chemical composition, economic importance
Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Garden spinach, Spinacia oleracea. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

spinach spinach

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Spinach (Spinacia)

Family: Spinach (Amaranthaceae)

Origin: Spinach is native to Iran and Central Asia.

Area: spinach is grown throughout the world in temperate and tropical climates.

Chemical composition: Spinach is rich in vitamins (A, C, E, K), minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium) and antioxidants (carotenoids, flavonoids). It also contains dietary fiber and vegetable proteins.

Economic value: Spinach is a valuable vegetable used in the food industry for the production of salads, sauces, canned vegetables, frozen foods. It is also used in cooking as an ingredient in various dishes such as omelettes, soups, pies, etc.

Legends and myths: In Greek mythology, spinach was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, who was considered a symbol of love and beauty. In literature, spinach has been mentioned in the Popeye comics, where it is a key ingredient that gives strength to the main character. This image of spinach as a symbol of strength and energy became so popular that the spinach industry in the US even bounced back from a recession in the 1930s thanks to the Popeye comics.

Garden spinach, Spinacia oleracea. Description, illustrations of the plant

Spinach, Spinacia oleracea L. Botanical description, history of origin, nutritional value, cultivation, use in cooking, medicine, industry

spinach

An annual herbaceous plant. The stem is erect, smooth, 1 m high. The leaves are alternate, entire, petiolate, oval. The plant is dioecious; the male is less leafy, shoots earlier than the female, dies off after flowering. The flowers are small, white; males are collected in a paniculate inflorescence, females are located in groups in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a nutlet of irregular shape, gray-brown in color. Blooms in June-July.

Spinach is native to Iran. In the wild, the plant is still found today in the regions neighboring Iran - in the Transcaucasus and Central Asia. In the XNUMXth century, spinach was brought to Spain, in the XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries it appeared in France, then in other European countries, and only in the XNUMXth century in Eastern Europe. Currently, the plant is widely distributed in Western Europe and Asia. Cultivated for leaves.

Spinach is an early ripening and cold-resistant plant. Shoots withstand frosts down to -8 ° C. Prefers fertile, well-drained soils. Depending on the timing of sowing, spring, summer, autumn and winter spinach are distinguished. In mid-latitudes, spring and autumn crops give the highest yields.

Spring sowing is carried out at the end of March. To speed up the emergence of seedlings, the seeds are pre-soaked in water, periodically changing it, for two days. Sow them as usual. After sowing, the soil is rolled. In the phase of two true leaves, the plants are thinned out, leaving them at a distance of 8 cm from each other. Care consists of systematic weeding, loosening, watering and fertilizing. With a lack of moisture and a long daylight hours, the plant quickly forms a flower-bearing stem, the leaves coarsen and the life of spinach is reduced. Harvesting begins in the phase of five or six leaves and ends when flowering stems appear.

Autumn sowing is carried out in October, so that a small rosette of leaves forms before the onset of winter. Plants tolerate winter well in the soil, covered with straw, mats, matting. The harvest is taken at the end of March. Spinach can also be grown as a compactor among other heat-loving crops.

spinach

Ancient Arab scholars considered spinach to be the king of vegetables, and for good reason. There are twice as many proteins in its leaves as in cabbage. And there are more fats than in cabbage, and in terms of the content of folic acid, choline, it is the leader among vegetables. It contains vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, K, P, PP, E, D, carotene. Spinach is rich in minerals (potassium, calcium, iron, iodine, etc.). In terms of iron content, it ranks first among vegetables.

All this determined the use of spinach as a remedy for certain blood diseases and tuberculosis. In baby food, it is especially necessary, as it is rich in anti-rachitic vitamin D. In scientific medicine, a decoction of spinach leaves is used for intestinal lethargy and flatulence. The leaves are prescribed for the prevention of beriberi and as an antiscorbutic agent. A variety of vitamins, especially group B, helps to strengthen the nervous system. According to scientists, the systematic use of spinach in food prevents the development of tumor diseases and anemia. The French consider spinach an indispensable food for gastrointestinal diseases.

Spinach is a valuable product for children's and dietary nutrition. Large leaves of young plants are eaten. They are eaten fresh as an independent dish, added to various salads prepared with vegetable oil, sour cream, mayonnaise. Spinach is boiled, stewed and baked in batter, added to scrambled eggs, okroshka; it is used to make puree for baby food. Spinach is especially common in the cuisine of the peoples of the Caucasus.

Authors: Kretsu L.G., Domashenko L.G., Sokolov M.D.

Spinach, Spinacea oleracea L. Classification, synonyms, botanical description, nutritional value, cultivation

spinach

Names of arm. spans; cargo, ispaiahi; iem. Gartenspinat, Spinat, Binetsch, goal. spinazie; dates spinat; Swede, spanat; English spinach, spinage; fr. epinard; it. spinaccio; Spanish espinaca; port, espinafre; rum. spanac; veig. paraj, spenot; Czech spanat; Slovenian spinaca; Serbian, spinat, spanat, spanak; Polish szpinak; japoi. horenzo.

An annual dioecious plant with a taproot and erect stem.

The leaves are alternate, with petioles of different lengths, forming basal rosettes before stemming. Male specimens are less leafy than female ones, and stem faster. Male flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences, and female flowers are located in the axils of the leaves.

Often there are hermaphrodites bearing male and female flowers on the same plant. In terms of foliage, they are almost as good as female specimens.

Spinach is a very early plant, the harvest of leaves is ready in 30-40 days, and the seeds ripen on the 90-100th day after germination. Spinach is relatively cold-hardy and, although inferior in this respect to lettuce and other common green crops, allows for early sowing.

Seeds germinate at +4 °C, and the most favorable temperature for its growth is about +15 °C. Spinach has been observed to tolerate frosts of -6°C. High temperature (above +20 °C) contributes to its premature shooting. Spinach is demanding on moisture and soil fertility; most varieties of spinach are long day plants.

Spinach is an annual herbaceous plant. At the stage of technical ripeness, it forms a rosette of 9-12 leaves, then throws out a flower stalk.

The formation of this stem is associated with coarsening of the leaves.

Spinach differs from most vegetable plants in dioeciousness. Among spinach, there are purely male plants (flowers form a paniculate inflorescence), purely female plants (flowers are collected in the leaf axils) and monoecious hermaphrodites.

Male plants form flower stems before female plants and are therefore undesirable in large numbers.

Spinach is found in the wild in the Caucasus. The local population uses it for food called shamum.

spinach

The main features underlying the classification of the species S. oleracea L. - the shape of the seeds and the structure of the leaves - change as follows:

Leaves spear-shaped or arrow-shaped; pointed seeds - var. spinosa Ptm.
Leaves are ovate and rounded; smooth seeds - var. glabra Mill.
Leaves spear-shaped or arrow-shaped; seeds are smooth - var. Goudini Alef.
Leaves are ovate or rounded; prickly seeds - var. Kochi Alef.
Leaves pinnately dissected - var. tetranda Alef.
Leaves of various shapes; prickly seeds - var. Burghiana M.
Leaves of various shapes; smooth seeds - var. hiemalis Alef.

Between the varieties on the basis of the structure of the leaf there are transitional forms. Leaf shape is extremely variable even within the same plant. Due to this circumstance, the identification of varieties and the evaluation of leaf characteristics is done according to the middle (by position) leaves, i.e., according to the 6-7th leaf.

Along with completely smooth-leaved spinach, there are many forms with corrugated (bubbly) leaves.

The corrugation is especially pronounced in the so-called fat-leaved varieties - Victoria, Savoy, Juliana. Medium corrugated leaves in varieties Viking, Virofle, Danish king. Almost smooth leaves in the Dutch and arrow-leaved varieties Rostov.

Leaf size, which largely determines the yield, varies greatly depending on the soil, humidity and agricultural practices. On soils rich in organic matter, with sufficient moisture, spinach develops large leaves, when dry, it stems early and produces a small number of small leaves.

According to the thickness of the leaves, spinach is divided into fat-leaved and smooth-leaved (thin-leaved). Sheet thickness correlates with corrugation. Therefore, they are called smooth-leaved, even if they were somewhat corrugated. Fat-leaved varieties include Victoria, Savoy and Juliana. Other varieties are smooth-leaved.

Spinach has dark and light green leaves. Dark green. Coloring is inherent in fat-leaved varieties, light green - smooth-leaved.

The early maturity of spinach is highly dependent on moisture. Lack of moisture always causes premature ripening of spinach.

Author Ipatiev A.N.

Garden spinach, Spinacia oleracea. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Ethnoscience:

To improve vision: Spinach is high in carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help improve eyesight. For maximum vision benefits, it is recommended to eat raw spinach in salads or smoothies.
To improve digestion: Spinach contains vitamin A, which helps improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the stomach. It is recommended to use garden spinach in salads or prepare a decoction of fresh or dried leaves.
To strengthen bones: Spinach is high in calcium and vitamin K, which help strengthen bones. It is recommended to eat green spinach raw or add it to meals for maximum bone health benefits.
To lower blood pressure: Spinach contains nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure. It is recommended to consume garden spinach raw or prepare a decoction of fresh or dried leaves.
To strengthen the immune system: Spinach is high in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. It is recommended to eat green spinach raw or add it to meals for maximum health benefits.

Cosmetology:

For skin cleansing: Spinach contains antioxidants and vitamins that can help cleanse the skin of impurities and toxins. To prepare a cleansing mask from garden spinach, you need to chop the spinach leaves and mix them with a little olive oil to form a paste. Apply the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
To moisturize the skin: Spinach contains vitamin E, which helps hydrate the skin and keep it supple. To prepare a moisturizing garden spinach mask, you need to chop the spinach leaves and mix them with honey to form a paste. Apply the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
To fight wrinkles: Spinach contains antioxidants that can help fight wrinkles and prevent premature skin aging. To prepare a garden spinach mask, you need to chop the spinach leaves and mix them with coconut oil until a paste forms. Apply the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
To reduce skin inflammation: Spinach contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the skin. To prepare a garden spinach mask, you need to chop the spinach leaves and mix them with turmeric and honey to form a paste. Apply the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Garden spinach, Spinacia oleracea. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a popular green crop grown for human consumption. Spinach is rich in many vitamins and minerals and is a low calorie food that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing spinach:

Cultivation:

Soil Selection: Spinach prefers fertile, well-drained soils with a neutral pH. The ideal soil for it is sandy or clay soil with a good content of organic matter.
Light: Spinach grows best in semi-shady places, but it can also survive in direct sun. It requires a minimum of 4-6 hours of bright light per day.
Planting Spacing and Depth: The spacing between spinach plants depends on which variety you are growing and what planting density you prefer. It is generally recommended to leave approximately 15-30 cm between plants. Planting depth should be such that the root neck (the place where the stem passes into the roots) is at the level of the soil.
Growing: Spinach can be grown from seed. Sow seeds directly into the ground after the threat of frost has passed. Seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Spinach grows quickly and can be harvested 4-6 weeks after emergence.
Care: Feed your spinach with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Remove weeds around plants to prevent competition for moisture and nutrients. The optimum temperature for spinach is around 15-20°C, so make sure it doesn't overheat during the hot summer months.

Workpiece:

Spinach is harvested when it reaches maturity but before it begins to bloom.
Spinach can be used in salads, sautéed, added to soups or sauces.
Before eating, spinach should be thoroughly washed and possible bacteria should be neutralized using special products for processing vegetables and herbs.

Storage:

Store fresh spinach in the refrigerator, wrapped in paper towels or plastic bags.
Spinach can also be frozen for long term storage. To do this, quickly freeze it for a few minutes and then pack it in a date-marked container or bag.

We recommend interesting articles Section Cultivated and wild plants:

▪ Black poplar (black poplar)

▪ Sunflower

▪ Rambutan

▪ Play the game "Guess the plant from the picture"

See other articles Section Cultivated and wild plants.

Comments on the article Read and write useful comments on this article.

<< Back

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Energy from space for Starship 08.05.2024

Producing solar energy in space is becoming more feasible with the advent of new technologies and the development of space programs. The head of the startup Virtus Solis shared his vision of using SpaceX's Starship to create orbital power plants capable of powering the Earth. Startup Virtus Solis has unveiled an ambitious project to create orbital power plants using SpaceX's Starship. This idea could significantly change the field of solar energy production, making it more accessible and cheaper. The core of the startup's plan is to reduce the cost of launching satellites into space using Starship. This technological breakthrough is expected to make solar energy production in space more competitive with traditional energy sources. Virtual Solis plans to build large photovoltaic panels in orbit, using Starship to deliver the necessary equipment. However, one of the key challenges ... >>

New method for creating powerful batteries 08.05.2024

With the development of technology and the expanding use of electronics, the issue of creating efficient and safe energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Researchers at the University of Queensland have unveiled a new approach to creating high-power zinc-based batteries that could change the landscape of the energy industry. One of the main problems with traditional water-based rechargeable batteries was their low voltage, which limited their use in modern devices. But thanks to a new method developed by scientists, this drawback has been successfully overcome. As part of their research, scientists turned to a special organic compound - catechol. It turned out to be an important component that can improve battery stability and increase its efficiency. This approach has led to a significant increase in the voltage of zinc-ion batteries, making them more competitive. According to scientists, such batteries have several advantages. They have b ... >>

Alcohol content of warm beer 07.05.2024

Beer, as one of the most common alcoholic drinks, has its own unique taste, which can change depending on the temperature of consumption. A new study by an international team of scientists has found that beer temperature has a significant impact on the perception of alcoholic taste. The study, led by materials scientist Lei Jiang, found that at different temperatures, ethanol and water molecules form different types of clusters, which affects the perception of alcoholic taste. At low temperatures, more pyramid-like clusters form, which reduces the pungency of the "ethanol" taste and makes the drink taste less alcoholic. On the contrary, as the temperature increases, the clusters become more chain-like, resulting in a more pronounced alcoholic taste. This explains why the taste of some alcoholic drinks, such as baijiu, can change depending on temperature. The data obtained opens up new prospects for beverage manufacturers, ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Mitsubishi Electric 60" Projection Video Wall Display VS-60HS12U Slim Cube 28.06.2014

Mitsubishi Electric introduced the latest VS-60HS12U Slim Cube video wall display.

The VS-60HS12U Slim Cube projection type display is positioned as an alternative to LCD based displays. It has very thin bezels and is designed for long continuous use.

The display thickness is 52 cm, which is about a quarter thinner than other similar models in the Mitsubishi Electric range, one of which is shown in the illustration. Moreover, the thickness can be reduced to 38,6 cm in some mounting options.

Mitsubishi Electric calculates that video walls assembled from Slim Cube series displays have 85% less bezels between individual screens than LCD video walls. The Slim Cube series displays are designed so that maintenance with full access to the internals of the device is performed from the side of the screen, eliminating the need to access the back of the video wall.

Another advantage is the long service life, estimated by the manufacturer at 110 hours or more than 000 years of continuous operation.

Other interesting news:

▪ HP Slate 7 Beats Special Edition tablet for music lovers

▪ A new record for quantum teleportation

▪ extreme hardening

▪ truck x-ray

▪ House delivered by helicopter

News feed of science and technology, new electronics

Interesting materials of the Free Technical Library:

▪ section of the site Medicine. Selection of articles

▪ Article Illusions of size perception. Encyclopedia of visual illusions

▪ article When was the first plastic made? Detailed answer

▪ Article Rhubarb finger. Legends, cultivation, methods of application

▪ article Programmer for AT89C51/52/55 microcontrollers. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

▪ Is there an article Coin? There are no coins! Focus secret. Focus secret

Leave your comment on this article:

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews