By Julie Vrazel

Spinach—the vegetable made popular by the fast-talking, squinty-eyed Popeye the Sailor Man—is packed with nutrients and grown right here in the Winter Garden area of Southwest Texas.

This leafy, green crop is spread over 3,500 acres and grown by 14 farmers in this region of the Lone Star State. Ed Ritchie, a third generation farmer, is continuing his family’s tradition of supplying consumers with this healthy choice since the early 1920s.

Although there are more than 100 spinach varieties, Ed concentrates on two categories: crinkly-leaf spinach used for cooking and baby-leaf spinach found mainly in salad bars.

With roots running that deep, you can bet spinach will stay strong to the finish for Ed’s family—just like Popeye.

Here’s a look at what it’s like in Ed’s spinach fields.

 

Thanks, Ed, for showing us your farm and your crop. We’ll think of you the next time we’re enjoying a salad or watching Popeye the Sailor Man!

Click here to meet other Texas farmers through our Meet a Farmer video series.