Source: Practical American Cookery and Domestic Economy, E. Hall, 1856.

“Spinach affords a soft lubricating aliment, but contains little nourishment. In weak stomachs it is apt to produce acidity, and frequently a looseness. To obviate these effects, it ought always to be well beaten, and but little butter mixed with it.”

Well, if this isn’t the very definition of ironic. Does anyone know when food scientists first discovered the nutritional value of spinach? I would guess around WWI – but maybe a late as WWII with Popeye?

Elizabeth did get the fiber part right, though “looseness” seems a more delicate expression. I’m reminded of the saying, “Animals sweat; men perspire; and women glow.”

For a more modern spinach recipe, check out this Smoked Mackerel Salad with Spinach and Clementine, from One-Way to Health.

More Discoveries

• Kisses from 1866
• I must confess to a weakness for asparagus in mid-winter…~1893
• Cures: Teething, Scurvy, Rattlesnakes, Etc. ~1856