It’s everybody’s favorite leafy green vegetable day, its national spinach day!

On March 26, national spinach day is celebrated to promote the health benefits of spinach. Spinach can improve heart health, better eyesight, and stronger bones

While the roots are ancient regarding spinach, it was found to be originated from ancient Persia (modern day Iran).

Spinach wasn’t too popular until the 1930’s when Popeye the Sailor Man cartoon was made. Popeye ate spinach to gain superhuman strength. The Popeye cartoon increased the average consumption of spinach by 33% in the 1930, especially in the U.S.

Crystal City, Texas, is known as the “Spinach Capital of the World,” holding festivals starting in 1936, and the famous Popeye (Popeye the Sailor Man) statue was dedicated in 1937. Crystal City still holds festivals annually in November.

As Popeye the Sailor once said, “I’m strong to the finish, ’cause I eats me spinach!”