Fresh Cut Spinach Revolutionizes the Market - The increase in demand for bagged spinach has changed production practices in the Salinas Valley

摘要

The popularity of washed, ready-to-eat bagged spinach has made a dramatic change in the California spinach industry, centered in the Salinas Valley. Demand for fresh cut bagged spinach continues to grow, and at least in the short term, there appears to be no end to the increase in consumer demand for fresh spinach. Traditionally, most of the spinach grown in the Salinas Valley was for processing, (i e , freezing), and the market for fresh spinach was limited. Fresh spinach was hand harvested and bunched in the field using rubber bands or twist ties. One of the big complaints from consumers was that fresh spinach harvested this way was duty and required numerous washings to remove the soil before it could be eaten. Most consumers were not willing todo this much preparation and the consumption of fresh spinach was declining.