Why is spinach called spinach?

Spinach is a common vegetable, which seems ordinary, but there is a lot to be said. If we correct its origin, we have to start from the Tang Dynasty.

Many friends think that spinach is a native vegetable in China, but it is not. Spinach is actually an out-and-out import. Before the Tang Dynasty, this vegetable only grew in Persia, which is now Iran. So when it was introduced into China, people called it Persian grass. Here, when we talk about spinach, we have to talk about Tang Taizong and the origin of spinach.

There is such a narrative in Don Yao Hui: "Nipolo presented a batch of spinach to Datang, and Emperor Taizong liked this foreign food very much, saying that its roots were bright red and delicious after being cooked." This incident is also recorded in the Book of the New Tang Dynasty, Biography of the Western Regions: "King Beugnot sent envoys to transport a large number of spinach, and Emperor Taizong first promoted the cultivation in Chang 'an, so spinach' settled down' in China. "

The former site of Nipolo is in what is now Nepal. Nippolo is actually an old translation of Nepali, which originated from "There are no rabbit pigeons in Shu". "Old Tang Book Xirong Biography Nipolo" said: "Nipolo is in the west of Tubo. Its popularity is Qi Mei, with pierced ears and bamboo horns, which is shoulder-to-shoulder. Eat your hands, there are no chopsticks, the utensils are all copper, there are many businessmen, and there is less work in the field. "

In fact, when spinach was first introduced into the Tang Dynasty, the planting rate of this vegetable in China was not high, and it was a very rare vegetable. Since ancient times, Taoist priests have especially loved this scarce food, so there is a saying that "eating spinach to drive away erysipelas". At that time, alchemists flocked to spinach, saying: eating spinach can solve the harm caused by Dan medicine to the body.

This statement also makes sense. "Seeking Truth from Materia Medica" records: "Spinach is smooth in texture and can cure constipation and other diseases. It can also clear away heat and toxic materials, and even treat alcohol wet poisoning. Because traditional herbs are generally digested by the intestines first, spinach is not. It can clear into the stomach and discharge damp heat and toxic gases into the intestines. "