Spinach
Quick answer: Fresh spinach lasts 5 days in the fridge if you wash it yourself, or up to 7 days for prewashed packaged spinach. Blanch it first and it'll keep in the freezer for 10 to 12 months.
That bag of spinach you bought Saturday is already $4 of compost by Wednesday if you store it wrong. The difference between five days and seven comes down to one paper towel and keeping the leaves dry. Here's exactly how long spinach lasts and how to make sure you actually use it.
Pantry
Refrigerator
Freezer
How to store spinach
Keep fresh spinach unwashed in a zip-top bag or airtight container lined with a paper towel, and stash it in the crisper drawer. Moisture is the enemy here, dry leaves last; wet leaves don't. If you're going long-term, blanch it first, blot it very well, then freeze in a freezer bag with as much air squeezed out as possible.
How to spot spoilage
Slimy or sticky leaves are the main tell. Also watch for a sour or off smell, dark mushy spots, or leaves that have collapsed into a wet pile at the bottom of the bag. For canned spinach, skip any can that's bulging, leaking, badly dented, or rusted.
How to revive them
If it's wilted but not slimy or smelly, a short soak in ice water can perk it back up, drain and dry well before using. Leaves that are tired but still safe are perfect cooked: toss them into a soup, sauté, omelet, or pasta sauce and no one will know.
Use it up before it spoils
- Wilt a big handful into scrambled eggs or an omelet the morning it starts looking tired.
- Blend the softer leaves into a smoothie with banana and frozen fruit, you won't taste it.
- Stir it into pasta sauce or soup in the last two minutes of cooking.
- Layer it into a quesadilla or grilled cheese for a fast lunch.
- Blanch and freeze whatever's left before it turns, future you will be grateful.
Recipes to try
Creamed Spinach
spendwithpennies.com
A classic side that burns through a whole bag of spinach in one shot.
Easy Spinach Lasagna
allrecipes.com
A good reason to buy the big bag of spinach, and actually use all of it.
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Best ways to preserve
- freeze
- dehydrate
- ferment
Nutrition at a glance
Per 60 g (2 cups raw (about 1 large handful))
| Calories | 14 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.2 g |
| Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Sugar | 0.3 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 47 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central. Spinach, raw (SR Legacy)
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Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze spinach?
Yes, blanch it first, drain and blot it very well, then freeze in a sealed bag with the air pressed out. Frozen spinach keeps for 10 to 12 months and works great in cooked dishes, though the texture won't hold up for salads after thawing.
How long does spinach last in the fridge?
Fresh spinach you wash yourself lasts up to 5 days; prewashed packaged spinach holds up to 7 days. Store it dry in an airtight bag lined with a paper towel in the crisper drawer to hit the top of that range.
How can you tell if spinach has gone bad?
The clearest sign is slimy or sticky leaves. Also look for a sour or off smell, dark mushy patches, or leaves that have collapsed into a wet clump. If it's just wilted but still smells fine and isn't slimy, it's still usable cooked.
Should spinach be washed before storing?
No, wash spinach right before you use it, not before storing. Moisture speeds up spoilage, so keeping the leaves dry in the fridge is the single biggest thing you can do to make it last longer.
How long does spinach last after opening the bag?
Once you open a bag of prewashed spinach, use it within 5 to 7 days. Reseal the bag tightly or transfer to an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture.