[1] A common dish around the world, the soup can be prepared as a broth-based or cream-based soup, and the latter can be referred to as "cream of spinach soup.

"[2][3] In China, a spinach and tofu soup is also known as "emerald and white jade soup"; spinach and tofu represent emerald and white jade respectively,[4] and thus the spinach soup itself can be called "emerald soup".

[1][6][7] Additional ingredients can include onion, green onion, carrot, celery, tomatoes, potatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, seasonings, salt and pepper.

[3][7][8][9] Spinach soup is typically served hot, but can also be served as a cold soup.

[10][11] Prior to being served, it can be topped or garnished with ingredients such as sour cream and crème fraîche.