Strawberry Spinach - Blitum capitatum

Strawberry Spinach – historic rarity with edible leaves and decorative fruits.

This very old cultivated plant is an annual strawberry spinach with triangular, tender leaves and a mild, spinach-like flavor. The plant produces striking red, berry-like fruit clusters and grows compactly. It is ideally suited for open ground and container cultivation. Undemanding, versatile, and open-pollinated – perfect for self-sufficiency and organic farming.

  Origin & History

Strawberry spinach (Blitum capitatum, formerly Chenopodium capitatum) is a very old open-pollinated cultivated plant originating in North America, where it grows wild in open, rather dry habitats. Archaeological and ethnobotanical evidence shows that the plant was already used by Indigenous peoples, both as a leafy vegetable and for its striking red fruit clusters. In the early 17th century, strawberry spinach was introduced to Europe, where it was first cultivated as a botanical curiosity in monastery and castle gardens. It soon found its way into rural gardens, where it was valued as a versatile vegetable.

The plant belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and was widespread in Europe until the 19th century. Its dual use was particularly emphasized: the young leaves served as a spinach-like vegetable, while the red, berry-like fruit clusters were used as edible decoration and for producing natural dyes. Historical sources also mention strawberry spinach under names such as “Beermelde” or “Spanish strawberry,” highlighting its ornamental appeal and regional significance.

With the rise of modern spinach varieties that were easier and more economical to harvest, strawberry spinach gradually fell into obscurity. Its leaves had to be picked individually, which made cultivation less attractive. Nevertheless, it survived in cottage gardens and as an ornamental plant. Today, the variety is experiencing a renaissance as a historic crop. It is once again cultivated because it is easy to grow, produces decorative fruits, and is regarded as a symbol of the diversity of forgotten cultivated plants.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows upright and reaches a height of about 60 cm. It forms a basal leaf rosette and later develops erect shoots with characteristic red fruit clusters. The fruits are edible but have a slightly sour taste. Not winter-hardy – sensitive to frost.

Leaf details:

• Size: Medium, approximately 5-10 cm long leaves

• Shape: Triangular to arrow-shaped, alternately arranged

• Color: Light green

• Texture: Tender, juicy

• Flavor: Mild, spinach-like