How to Freeze Spinach

Spinach is a healthy and versatile vegetable that can be used in many different dishes. However, it can be difficult to know how to store spinach so that it stays fresh for as long as possible.

One way to preserve spinach is to freeze it. Freezing spinach is a simple process that can be done at home.

Jump to Recipe

How to freeze spinach

Freezing spinach is a great way to preserve this healthy and versatile vegetable. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy spinach all year long.

To freeze spinach, follow these steps:

1. Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly.
2. Remove the stems from the leaves.
3. Chop the leaves into small pieces.
4. Blanch the spinach leaves for 2-3 minutes in boiling water.
5. Immediately plunge the spinach leaves into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
6. Drain the spinach leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
7. Spread the spinach pieces out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
8. Freeze the spinach for at least 24 hours.
9. Once the spinach is frozen, transfer it to freezer bags or containers.
10. Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.

Similarly, you can learn how to freeze kale or how to freeze kohlrabi on my blog as well.

Blanching Spinach

Blanching spinach before freezing helps to preserve its color and flavor. To blanch spinach, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add the spinach leaves to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove the spinach leaves from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water.

This will stop the cooking process and preserve the color and flavor of the spinach. Be sure to check and makes sure you know how to tell if spinach has gone bad before you start as you do not want to blanch or bother freezing spinach that has gone bad.

When it comes to freezing spinach, it’s important to follow the right steps for optimal results. For detailed instructions on how to store spinach properly, you can check out our article. It provides step-by-step guidance to help you preserve the quality and flavor of spinach for future use.

Freezing spinach for smoothies

If you are planning on using frozen spinach in smoothies, you do not need to blanch it. Simply chop the leaves into small pieces and freeze them.

When you are ready to make a smoothie, add the frozen spinach to the blender and blend until smooth. Storing the spinach in ice cube trays is great for making smoothies!

Freezing spinach in ice cube trays

1. Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly.
2. Remove the stems from the leaves.
3. Chop the leaves into small pieces.
4. Place the spinach pieces in ice cube trays.
5. Fill the ice cube trays with water.
6. Freeze the spinach cubes for at least 24 hours.
7. Once the spinach cubes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
8. Label the bag or container with the date and contents.

When using frozen spinach in smoothies, you do not need to thaw it first. You can simply add the frozen spinach to the blender and blend until smooth.

When using frozen spinach in other dishes, you may want to thaw it first. To thaw frozen spinach, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

How long will spinach last in the freezer?

Spinach can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months if it has been blanched. Blanching is a process that helps to preserve the color and flavor of the spinach.

If spinach has not been blanched, it can still be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, the quality of the spinach may decline after 3 months.

Should I thaw frozen spinach before using it?

You do not need to thaw frozen spinach before using it. You can add it directly to soups, stews, or smoothies.

However, if you are using spinach in a dish where it needs to be cooked, you may want to thaw it first. To thaw spinach, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Conclusion

This tried and tested method is a game-changer for those of us who love spinach but hate waste.

Not only does it save your greens from the trash, but it also ensures you’ve got a nutritious addition ready for your meals at any moment.

Remember, it’s all about washing, blanching, freezing, and storing your spinach correctly. So next time you spot a bargain on spinach or your garden harvest is bountiful, don’t hold back.

With these easy steps, you can enjoy your favorite leafy green all year round. Here’s to keeping our dishes packed with the goodness of spinach and minimizing waste one freezer bag at a time!