Are you wondering how to store spinach after you buy it from the grocery store? I've got a few tips to help you keep it fresh so you can use it all week long.
These leafy greens are a great way to add nutrients to your favorite meals or pasta dishes like this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. It's also the best way to sneak veggies in for picky eaters.
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How to Store Fresh Spinach
Spinach is such a versatile vegetable but keeping it fresh is important if you want it to last until you can use it. So, I've come up with a few of my best tips and tricks to help you keep spinach fresh for up to 10 days!
- Don't wash your spinach right away. Washed spinach has a shorter life span and can go bad quickly. So, unless you plan to use it right away don't wash it first.
- Gently wrap your crisp green leaves in paper towels to ensure that there is no moisture on the leaves. Every time you use some of the spinach remove the paper towels, and rewrap and store spinach leaves in dry paper towels.
- Then add the paper towel-wrapped spinach to an airtight container or storage bag and place it in the crisper drawer.
- Make sure to keep the spinach away from produce such as bananas and apples as they produce a gas that will cause the spinach to rot faster.
How to Store Cooked Spinach
Storing cooked spinach is easier than storing fresh spinach if you ask me. But, there are still a few tips that you can use to help you get the best out of your cooked spinach.
- The most important step in storing cooked spinach is making sure that it cools to room temperature before you add it to the fridge.
- Once it has reached room temperature, place it in an airtight container or storage bag and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Cooked spinach can also be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
- Remember that if your spinach is tomato-based or has lots of garlic, plastic container can be stained or absorb garlic odor. So, glass containers are best.
How to Freeze Spinach
Your best option to extend the shelf life of spinach is freezing it. Freeze chopped or whole spinach leaves in freezer bags and make sure to suck excess air out. Frozen spinach is great to add to green smoothie, eggs, casseroles such as this Chicken Spinach Artichoke Casserole, and so much more.
Freezing raw spinach is easy. Just simply dry the spinach leaves well, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the fridge. Fresh spinach leaves can be frozen for up to one year if you protect them from freezer burn.
Using vacuumed sealed bags is a great way to prevent freezer burn.
Another great option for freezing spinach is to puree it. Add it to a blender or food processor with a small amount of water to blend. Once it's combined pour the pureed spinach into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer.
Once the cubes are frozen solid remove them from the trays and store them in a freezer bag.
How to Thaw Frozen Spinach
Thaw frozen spinach in a bowl or a salad spinner for a couple of hours in the fridge until it is completely thawed. I recommend that you dry it before adding it to casseroles to remove excess water.
However, if you are using frozen spinach in pasta dishes or smoothies, there is no reason to thaw it first. Just toss it in frozen.
Thawing pureed spinach is just as easy. You can thaw one or two cubes in a bowl in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Or, if you are using it for a sauce, just toss the cube into your skillet and allow it to melt while it cooks.
No matter which method you choose to freeze spinach, you will love how well it extends its shelf life.
How Do I Know When Spinach Is Rotten
One of the easiest ways to tell if spinach has gone bad is by looking at the leaves. Brown or mushy leaves mean that the spinach is past its time.
Another thing to check for rotten spinach is to smell it. Spinach that has gone rancid will have an unpleasant smell.
When you are picking out spinach at the grocery store, look for leaves that are vibrant green and firm. It can be hard to tell if you are buying bagged spinach. I've found that it's best to look at as many of the leaves as you can in the bag.
Now that you know how to store spinach so that you can reduce your food waste. It's time to find your favorite ways to use it.
Try these Spinach Recipes
- One of my favorite recipes to make with spinach is this Stuffed Chicken Breast. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with spinach and artichokes and then stuffed inside a fresh chicken breast that has been baked to perfection, is by far one of the most delicious ways to use these tender greens.
- Spinach fatayer recipe is a tasty spinach recipe of savory pastry that are commonly enjoyed in Lebanese cuisine. Fluffy dough with slightly crisp exterior hugging the most delicious tart spinach filling for an enjoyable satisfying snack.
- Here is something easier. Delicious, tangy, and flaky, this Spanakopita Recipe in Puff Pastry is buttery and flaky with a tangy, refreshing filling.
- This Chicken Spinach Artichoke Casserole is a satisfying creamy and comforting weeknight meal packed with flavors. Delicious chicken in a creamy rich artichoke sauce for a cozy night in.
- Tender shrimp are combined with a luxurious, rich cream sauce in this Italian-inspired Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta dish. A 30-minute, one-pot restaurant quality dinner your family will never forget.
- Do you want to make an Italian cuisine side dish with spinach? Try this Sauteed Baby Spinach with Grape Tomatoes recipe.
Related Articles
- If you are looking for storing tips for your favorite fresh produce I've got some great posts on how to store peaches, and how to store fresh parsley.
- Here is my best advice on How to Store Eggplant so that it's fresh and ready for your meals.
- My Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute takes less than 10 minutes and very easy to make. A healthy alternative to your favorite stor bought can.
- Here is my guide on the secrets to How to Store Fresh Tomatoes to minimize waste and maximize flavor. Keep these tips handy, especially during peak tomato season.
I think you'll want to know
- Can you freeze roasted vegetables? Here is a guide to help you understand how to freeze roasted vegetables to cut down on food waste and have convenient, nutritious side dishes ready for you whenever you need them.
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