How To Store Spinach

When it comes to eating healthy, spinach is a superstar. It’s packed full of nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron. But, have you ever noticed how quickly it can go bad in your refrigerator?

One day it’s fresh and crisp, and the next it’s a wilted mess. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some handy tips on how to store spinach properly to keep it fresh for longer.

How to Store Spinach

Storing spinach the right way can help extend its shelf life and keep it crispy. Follow these steps:

1. Don’t Wash It Before Storage

This might seem surprising, but washing spinach before storing it can actually speed up the spoiling process. The moisture from washing can make the leaves wilt faster. So, save the washing for right before you’re ready to eat it.

2. Use a Plastic Bag

Put the unwashed spinach in a plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing it. This helps to reduce exposure to oxygen which can also cause the spinach to spoil faster.

3. Store It In The Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer in your refrigerator is designed to keep your fruits and veggies fresh. Store your spinach there at a temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Storage Method	Shelf Life	Tips
Refrigerator	10 days	Wash and dry spinach thoroughly. Wrap in a paper towel and place in a plastic bag or container. Store in the crisper drawer.
Freezer	6 months	Blanch spinach in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry. Place in a freezer bag or container. Label with the date.

When it comes to storing spinach, the same principles apply to other vegetables. Make sure to follow the proper storage techniques such as storing it in a plastic bag or container with a paper towel to maintain its freshness and prevent wilting.

How Long Does Spinach Stay Fresh?

Typically, if you store spinach as described above, it should stay fresh for about 7-10 days. But remember, this can vary depending on how fresh the spinach was when you bought it and the specific conditions of your fridge.

By learning how to properly store foods in the fridge you will not only keep your food fresher for longer but you will save money by preventing food waste.

Spinach offers so many health benefits, check out this site to learn more about how good spinach is for you.

How to Keep Spinach Dry

Now, remember when we said don’t wash your spinach before storing it? That’s because it’s important to keep it dry to prevent it from wilting. But what if you’ve already washed it? Don’t worry, just follow these steps:

1. Pat dry with paper towels: If you’ve already washed your spinach, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This will remove most of the moisture.
2. Use a salad spinner: If you have a salad spinner, it can be a great tool for drying out your spinach. Just put the spinach in the spinner and give it a few good spins.
3. Store in a container with paper towels: After drying your spinach, place it in a container and put a few paper towels in there too. The paper towels will absorb any remaining moisture.

How to Pick Spinach at the Store

Choosing the right spinach at the store can also help it stay fresh longer at home. Here are a few tips:

1. Look for bright, vibrant leaves: Fresh spinach should be a deep green color and the leaves should look lively and firm.
2. Avoid spinach with yellow or wilted leaves: These are signs that the spinach is already starting to go bad.
3. Check for a slimy texture or a sour smell: If the spinach feels slimy or smells off, it’s best to avoid it.

How to Tell When Spinach Has Gone Bad

Knowing when your spinach has gone bad is important for your health. Here’s what to look for:

1. It has a sour or rotten smell: Fresh spinach should have a light, leafy smell. If it smells off or rotten, it’s best to throw it out.
2. The leaves are wilted and slimy: While a few wilted leaves are okay if the majority of the spinach is wilted, slimy, or has a weird texture, it’s likely spoiled.
3. There’s mold: If you see any mold on your spinach, it’s time to toss it. Eating moldy spinach can make you sick.

Can You Freeze Spinach?

If you find yourself with an abundance of spinach and you’re wondering if you can freeze it, the answer is yes! Freezing spinach is a great way to preserve its freshness and extend its shelf life.

However, it’s important to note that freezing can change the texture of spinach, making it less suitable for fresh salads or sandwiches.

Frozen spinach is best used in cooked dishes like soups, stews, smoothies, and casseroles. Freezing spinach is a convenient way to always have this nutrient-packed vegetable on hand, ready to enhance your favorite recipes.

Conclusion

Spinach is a wonderful, healthy addition to your diet, but it can spoil quickly if not stored properly. By picking fresh spinach at the store, storing it correctly, and knowing when it’s time to toss it, you can enjoy this nutritious green leafy vegetable at its best.

Remember, freshness is key when it comes to enjoying spinach, so eat it up while it’s still in its prime. Happy healthy eating!