Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an edible flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae, native to central and southwestern Asia. It is an annual plant that grows to a height of up to 30 cm. Spinach may reach 30–130 cm, with smooth, arrowhead-shaped leaves that are alternate and oval-shaped, 2–12 cm long and 1–11 cm broad, with larger leaves at the base of the plant and strongly toothed or lobed leaves higher on the flowering stem. It has a central, erect, angular stem that is often branched and can reach a height of 30–130 cm. Spinach is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants, including iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. It is commonly used in salads, soups, and other dishes. In Hebrew, spinach is called תפוחי אדמה (Tfuchim), which translates to "potatoes" in English. In Arabic, it is known as سبانخ (Sabanakh), and in French, it is called épinard. Spinach has been cultivated for its nutritious leaves for thousands of years and is widely consumed around the world.
Species of flowering plant
Spinach is a leafy green flowering plant native to Central and Western Asia. It is of the order Caryophyllales, family Amaranthaceae, subfamily Chenopodioideae. Its leaves are a common vegetable consumed either fresh, cooked or after storage. The taste differs considerably between cooked and raw: the high oxalate content may be reduced by steaming.