Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Spinach

Department of Defense fact sheet containing nutritional Information for spinach.

Product Description

Good quality spinach should have clean, fresh, crisp leaves with good green coloring. Avoid spinach that appears wilted or long-stemmed.

Peak Growing Season

Spinach is available throughout the year. Its peak season is from June to August.

Uses

Excellent for all-purpose use.

Preparation

Spinach must be washed thoroughly to remove sand. When cooking spinach, use only the amount of water that clings to the spinach after washing.

Storage

Spinach should be stored at 32 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 90–95 percent. Cover spinach packages with crushed ice to help keep them fresh during storage.

Best If Used By

Spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days.

Nutrition Facts

Legend: kcal = kilocalorie; g = gram; mg = milligram; RAE = retinol activity equivalent; IU = international unit

1/2 cup of raw spinach provides:

Calories 3 kcal
Protein 0.43 g
Carbohydrate 0.54 g
Fat 0.06 g
Saturated Fat 0.009 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Iron 0.41 mg
Vitamin C 4.2 mg
Vitamin A 70 RAE
Calcium 15 mg
Sodium 12 mg
Dietary Fiber 0.3 g

Sources of Information

Questions:   Food Distribution Program | FoodDistribution@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Thursday, October 02, 2025
Related Content
  • DoD Fact Sheets
    Department of Defense (DoD) fresh fruits and vegetables fact sheets.
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Final Rule: Fluid Milk Substitutions (added 30-Apr-2026)
    This management bulletin provides regulatory updates regarding the allowability of accepting medical statements from registered dietitians (RD) as related to Fluid Milk Substitutions in School Nutrition Programs.
  • Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities (added 30-Apr-2026)
    This management bulletin contains information on the requirements related to accommodating children with disabilities.
  • Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2026–27 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    Information related to Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk in Child Nutrition Programs.
  • School Lunch Hero Day 2026 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    School Lunch Hero Day presents an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and thank hardworking professionals who continue to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of students.
  • Food Smarts: Free Trainings (added 24-Apr-2026)
    Food Smarts: Free Trainings- Food Smarts Facilitator Training Options for Non-Funded Partners happening in April through June.