Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green flowering plant native to central and western Asia.
Is spinach a leaf?
Spinach is a leafy vegetable grown since ancient times. Spinach produces rosettes of leaves. The cartoon character Popeye attributed his great strength to eating spinach — maybe justifiably, since this leafy vegetable has a very high iron content.
Is spinach a stem or leaf?
Spinach, Spinacia oleracea, is a leafy herbaceous annual plant in the family Amaranthaceae grown for its leaves which are used as a vegetable. The spinach plant has simple leaves which stem from the center of the plant and measure about 2–30 cm (0.8–12.0 in) long and 1 to 15 cm (0.4–6.0 in) across.
Is spinach a vegetable or leaf?
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable that originated in Persia. It was introduced to China in the 7th century, likely brought to Europe in about the 12th century and then to the US in 1806. Due to its origin, spinach is known as “Persian Green” in China.
What vegetables are considered leaves?
Examples are spinach, lettuce, silverbeet, brussel sprouts, witloof, puha, bok choy, tat soi, tung ho, wong nga baak, cabbage, kale, cavolo nero, watercress, herbs, microgreens and salad greens.
What is spinach classified?
Taxonomy. Common spinach (S. oleracea) was long considered to be in the family Chenopodiaceae, but in 2003 that family was merged into the Amaranthaceae in the order Caryophyllales. Within the family Amaranthaceae sensu lato, Spinach belongs to the subfamily Chenopodioideae.
What is the classification of a spinach?
Spinach is an annual plant, Spinacia oleracea, of the flowering plant family of Amaranthaceae and order Caryophyllales, which is popularly cultivated as a leaf vegetable.
Is a spinach a stem?
As spinach plants develop and mature, a dense cluster of leaves form a rosette. When mature, a central, flowering stem grows, sometimes reaching a height of 3-4 ft (90-120 cm). Small flowers, which later produce seeds, grow in clusters in the axils of the stem leaves.
Is broccoli a flower or leaf?
Vegetables can be grouped according to the edible part of each plant: leaves (lettuce), stalks (celery), roots (carrot), tubers (potato), bulbs (onion), and flowers (broccoli).
Which vegetables are stem?
Stem vegetables include asparagus and kohlrabi. Among the edible tubers, or underground stems, are potatoes. The leaf and leafstalk vegetables include brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, lettuce, rhubarb, and spinach.
Is lettuce a leaf?
lettuce, (Lactuca sativa), annual leaf vegetable of the aster family (Asteraceae). Most lettuce varieties are eaten fresh and are commonly served as the base of green salads.
What is spinach called?
Spinach, Spinacia oleracea L. (2n = 12), is an important leafy vegetable, of which the leaves and tender shoots are consumed fresh or processed. Spinach is native to central Asia, most probably Persia (Iran). Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) belongs to the family Chenopodiaceae.
Is it OK to eat raw spinach?
The milder, young leaves can be eaten raw in a salad, while the older ones are usually cooked (spinach has one of the shortest cooking times of all vegetables).
Does broccoli count as a leafy green?
Kale, mustard greens, collard greens, cabbage and broccoli are cruciferous leafy greens. Cruciferous vegetables are high in nutrients and contain glucosinolates, which inhibit the growth of certain cancers.
Is spinach a leafy green?
SPINACH. Spinach is a popular leafy green vegetable and is easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, including soups, sauces, smoothies and salads.
Is cabbage a leaf?
The cabbage leaf is a type of leaf, and the cabbage stem is also edible. Cabbage weights typically range between 500 and 1,000 grams (1 to 2 lb). Smooth-leafed, firm-headed green cabbages are the most common, with smooth-leaved purple cabbages and crinkle-leafed savoy cabbages in both colors being more uncommon.
Why is spinach healthy?
Spinach is rich in many nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, folate, and potassium. Spinach is chock full of fiber. Eating too much fiber can cause gas, cramping, and abdominal pain. Spinach is rich in oxalate, a naturally occurring substance found in almost all plants.
How do you describe spinach?
Spinach is a leafy green producing succulent, dark green, spoon-shaped leaves. It offers a subtle, yet assertive vegetal flavor often with iron or metallic notes. Depending upon variety and maturity, Spinach can be sweet, earthy, nutty and even tangy.
What’s the benefits of spinach?
15 Health Benefits of Spinach
- Prevents Cancer. Spinach has a high source of zeaxanthin and carotenoids that can flush out the free radicals from your body.
- Reduces Blood Sugar.
- Aids in Good Bone Health.
- Aids in Weight Loss.
- Good For Your Eyes.
- Reduces Hypertension.
- Has Anti-inflammatory Properties.
- Keeps Your Body Relaxed.
Why is spinach A Superfood?
But spinach has consistently retained its top rank as the superfood to beat all others because it is so dense in nutrients and healthy compounds. Eating spinach daily is linked to lower risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer, three of our nation’s greatest chronic diseases.
What is spinach made out of?
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable that originated in Persia. It belongs to the amaranth family and is related to beets and quinoa. What’s more, it’s considered very healthy, as it’s loaded with nutrients and antioxidants.