Why Yuma County, Arizona Is Called The 'Winter Salad Bowl Capital'

It turns out a whole lot of U.S. leafy greens come from the American Southwest. California's Salinas Valley, for example, is known as the "Salad Bowl of the World," and there's a compelling reason for that. It's one of the Golden State's top regions in terms of agricultural output, according to World Atlas. In addition to broccoli, celery, grapes, strawberries, and tomatoes, Salinas Valley cultivates lettuce and spinach, providing the cornerstones of salads enjoyed across the nation. Nearly 50% of U.S. lettuce and about 33% of U.S. spinach are grown in that valley, per the University of California, Davis. However, those are most likely found in your summer salads. This is because, according to Gardening Know How, Salinas Valley's greens season runs from spring to fall. What about winter?

That's where Yuma County, Arizona comes in. Yuma has long been a gift from Mother Nature. Before the Colorado River was dammed in the 20th century, the future site of Yuma City was the easiest spot around from which to cross that waterway. Indigenous people like the Quechan and Cocopah have thrived in the area for generations. Long before the modern city of Yuma was founded, the Quechan tribe grew beans, corn, and squash near the river (via Visit Yuma). Different crops dominate these days, but the fact that the land is fertile hasn't changed. This fertility is somewhat unique. Unlike much of the U.S., its growing season isn't restricted to planting in spring, growing in summer, and harvesting in fall.