Spinach leaves harvested at the midmature stage had much
higher levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant
capacity than immature and mature leaves. Our results indicate
that maturity stage should be considered for consumers to benefit
from the antioxidant-rich flavonoids in spinach. Since immature
“baby” leaves are commonly used in packaged salad mixes,
fresh-cut processors may want to consider the use of midmature
leaves to boost the flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity
of their products.