Spinach
I originated in Persia (modern day Iran) and spread to China around 600AD.
Medieval artists used me to produce a green pigment for illuminated manuscripts. I am one of the few non-toxic natural green pigments, and am still used today as body paint.
The English word spinach dates to 1530 and is from probably derives from the Andalusian Arabic isbinakh.
I was the first frozen vegetable to be sold.