Spanakopita, also known as spinach pie, is a staple of Greek cuisine that consists of leafy greens, herbs, and feta cheese, layered into sheets of phyllo dough and baked until golden brown. Though frequently served as an appetizer, it can make an excellent side dish or main course. The next time you visit a taverna, you might wonder about the origins of these pies and the perks of eating them. Here's what to know about this quintessential Greek food. 

What Is the History of Spanakopita?

Pies have been part of Greek cuisine since ancient times. During the fifth century B.C., Philoxenos, a beloved Greek poet, wrote about a cheesecake prepared with milk and honey and baked into a crust. Other ancients made cheese pies wrapped in fig leaves, which may have been the earliest precursor to spinach pies as we know them today. 

The Greeks were also expert foragers, and their diet included plenty of wild greens. However, spinach did not arrive in the region until the Byzantine Era of 330 to 1453 A.D. Merchants brought spinach from the Middle East to Europe, and Greeks began cultivating the crop, selling the leafy greens to neighboring communities. This caused spinach to become readily available throughout Greece, and people began incorporating it into their cooking.

Phyllo, which is a paper-thin dough made from flour, water, and a dash of oil, also originated during the Byzantine Empire. Greeks grew wheat in abundance, which prompted them to get creative while using wheat flour to make baked goods. They discovered that stretching dough into tissue-thin sheets and baking it produced a crispy, flaky crust. 

Spanakopita was likely first made in Epirus, a northwestern region in Greece. People in the area started layering phyllo dough with a mixture of spinach, cheese, scallions, and herbs before baking the pies until golden brown. Spanakopita quickly became popular throughout Greece and eventually spread throughout the world. Today, you can find these creamy and crispy pies on menus at tavernas throughout the U.S. 

What Are the Benefits of Eating It?

Spinach pies contain several nutritious ingredients that may benefit human health. Spinach is an excellent source of folate and vitamin K. Folate supports the formation of red blood cells and can reduce the risk of birth defects, while vitamin K assists with blood clotting and building healthy bone tissues. Feta, which is another key ingredient in spanakopita, is rich in calcium and protein. Calcium helps the body build strong teeth and bones, and protein may lower susceptibility to heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, these pies are low in fat and calories, which means they can help you maintain a healthy weight. 

Enjoy delicious and nutritious spanakopita by dining at Yia Yia’s Homemade Greek Food. Based in New York City, this taverna offers spinach pies made with fresh feta, along with other classic Greek foods, to hungry patrons throughout the city. Call (212) 452-1210 to place an order for Greek cuisine, and visit the website to browse their menu of authentic and delectable dishes.