Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a dark leafy green vegetable with tender leaves and a mild, slightly earthy flavor. It is an excellent source of vitamin K1 and provides folate, carotenoids, vitamin C, magnesium, and other minerals. Spinach is particularly rich in the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and is also one of the more concentrated vegetable sources of dietary nitrate. Mature spinach has larger, sturdier leaves and a more pronounced flavor than baby spinach, making it especially well suited to sautéing, steaming, soups, curries, and other cooked dishes.