spinach

" Chinese spinach (Amaranthus gangeticus) botanically belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, and is one of a number of cultivated species. The Amaranth family is a very large group of plants, which includes on number of important herbs of the tropics. The family originated in the American, African and Asian tropics, but is now grown all over the world. The old garden plant ""Joseph's Coat"", is a well-known example of the family, often grown as an ornamental. Chinese spinach production accounted for 85 percent of world production while U.S. production accounted for 3 percent. There are certain times of the year when Chinese spinach is in demand such as during the various ethnic holiday celebrations; particularly in the Indian and Indonesian communities. In the early spring, leaves are young and tender, so they can be generally sold loose, not bunched. Some green grocers sell Chinese spinach as 300 gram bunches. Crushed ice may also be used in containers of Chinese spinach sent to distant markets."