Spinach may have become associated with Florence as a result of the influence of Catherine de Medici, but the exact origins are unknown. In the mid 1600s, Catherine, the queen consort of King Henry II and a native of Florence, introduced spinach dishes at court and proclaimed the culinary innovation as "Florentine".

Why is spinach called Florentine?

Florentine refers to Florence, Italy, and the term would translate into something like “in the manner of Florence.” The origin of the term comes from a French queen named Catherine de Médicis, who was born in Florence and, in 1533, married Henri (Henry), the second son of King Francois I.

Does Florentine mean spinach?

Florentine or à la Florentine is a term from classic French cuisine that refers to dishes that typically include a base of cooked spinach, a protein component and Mornay sauce.