Spinach in the United States

Over the 2004–2006 period, U.S. growers produced an average of 867 million pounds of spinach for all uses, with about three-fourths sold into the fresh market (includes fresh-cut/processed).

The value of fresh-market spinach has more than doubled over the past decade as stronger demand has boosted production, while inflation-adjusted prices largely remained constant.

During the last 10 years, exports (largely to Canada) have jumped 70 percent to 47 million pounds (2004–2006), with much of the growth occurring earlier this decade.

Per capita spinach use is strongest among Asians, highest among women 40 and older, and weakest among teenage girls.

On August 30, 2007, 8,000 cartons of spinach (from Metz Fresh, a King City–based grower and shipper, Salinas Valley, California) were recalled after Salmonella was discovered upon routine testing.

Consumer advocates and some lawmakers complained it exposed significant gaps in food safety, even if 90% of suspect vegetables did not reach the shelves.