History
Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia ( Iran ). It was introduced by the Moors in Spain in the 11th century. Spinach was the favorite vegetable of Catherine de Medici, a historical figure in the 16th century. When she left her home in Florence , Italy , to marry the king of France , she brought along her own cooks, who could prepare spinach the ways that she especially liked. Since this time, dishes prepared on a bed of spinach are referred to as "a la Florentine."