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Gerard's Herbal - Part 2

Gerard's Herbal - CHAP. 49. Of Spinach.

CHAP. 49. Of Spinach.


Fig. 529. Spinach (1)

 

The Description.

            1. Spinach is a kind of Blite, after some; notwithstanding I rather take it for a kind of Orach. It bringeth forth soft and tender leaves of a dark green colour, full of juice, sharp pointed, and in the largest part or nether end square; parted oftentimes with a deep gash on either side next to the stem or footstalk: the stalk is round, a foot high, hollow within: on the tops of the branches stand flowers in clusters, in whose places doth grow a prickly seed. The root consisteth of many small threads.

            2. There is another sort found in our gardens like unto the former in goodness, as also in shape, having that the leaves are not so great, nor so deepely gashed or indented: and the seed hath no prickles at all, for which cause it is called Round Spinach.

 

The Place.

            It is sown in gardens without any great labour or industry, and forsaketh not any ground being but indifferent fertile.

 

The Time.

            It may be sown almost at any time of the year, but being sown in the spring it quickly groweth up, and cometh to perfection within two months: but that which is sown in the fall of the year groweth not so soon to perfection; yet continueth all the winter and seedeth presently upon the first spring.

 

The Names.

            It is called in these days Spinachia: of some, Spinacheum olus: of others, Hispanicum olus: Fuchsius nameth it Spinachia: the Arabians and Serapio call it Hispane: the Germans, Spinet: in English, Spinage and Spinach: in French, Espinas.

 

The Nature.

            Spinach is evidently cold and moist almost in the second degree, but rather moist. It is one of the pot-herbs whole substance is watery, and almost without taste, and therefore quickly descendeth and looseth the belly.

 

The Virtues.

            A. It is eaten boiled, but it yieldeth little or no nourishment at all: it is something windy, and easily causeth a desire to vomit: it is used in salads when it is young and tender.

            B. This herb of all other pot-herbs and salad herbs maketh the greatest diversity of meats and salads.

 

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