Spinach is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. It is a large part of the everyday diet. Many people go through at least two big bags of spinach two times a week. Do you want to keep spinach fresh for longer? If yes, this article for you. Storing spinach in a way that remains fresh for a week is a nice idea to keep yourself from buying it again and again from the vegetable market. This saves you a lot of time. Similarly, you enjoy the fresh spinach.

The purpose of storing spinach

So, why you should store it properly? If you know how to store spinach properly, you will prolong its freshness. In turn, you will save yourself some time. Likewise, proper storage prevents spinach and other food items from going into the trash bin due to early spoilage.

Besides, it saves you some money because you have purchased it in bulk. This means you can use spinach for a week, which is worth of meal preps. When you learn how to keep it fresh, it will ensure the safety of food. This way, you can avoid food poisoning as well as consuming rotten or wilted leafy greens accidentally.

It is important to keep in mind that spinach is prone to the growth of e-coli and other bacterial strains. For instance, salmonella can adequately grow and nourish in spinach if you fail to keep it fresh. This means you have to discard it completely. Health is important, it is the priority. So, when it comes to keeping food fresh such as spinach, you need to learn to store it properly. Otherwise, consuming contaminated spinach can harm your health.

The lifespan of spinach

How long do leafy green vegetables like spinach last? If you purchased the spinach in the fresher form, you can store it in a bag. Then, the bagged spinach is stored in the fridge. This ensures the freshness of the spinach for 5-7 days.

On the other hand, storing your spinach without a bag means that it will last only for 3 days. If you have bought bagged spinach, we recommend you to use it before the date of expiration. The label on the bag mentions the usage time and expiry date. On average, spinach can last for 7 days if you store it in the fridge properly.

How to identify bad spinach?

It is not difficult to identify or detect vegetable spoilage, especially green leafy vegetables like spinach. If the leaves are darker, mushy, and soft, it means you should stop consuming it.

Moreover, if you feel that the spinach has a foul smell in the refrigerator or in the place where you have stored it, you should take it out and throw it in the trash can. It is because of the rotting of the spinach. You can’t compromise your health by consuming bad spinach. It is because the spoiled spinach can cause food poisoning if you consume it. You have to buy fresher vegetables at the grocery.

Best ways to keep spinach fresh

Now that you have come to know about the importance of storing and keeping the spinach fresh, it is time to tell you how to keep it fresh for a longer time. Continue reading!

Don’t wash it before refrigeration

You must keep the leaves of the spinach dry. Don’t wash it before storing it in the fridge because when the leaves become wet, it will attract more microorganisms. As a result, microbes such as bacteria can spoil the spinach. So, the idea is to store it dry.

Moisture in spinach or the bag in which you have kept it is the biggest culprit that leads to spoilage. Everyone knows that humid environments are favorable for microorganisms. To save your time, money, and maintain your health, we recommend you to refrain from washing.

Keep it in the crisper drawer

If you think keeping spinach in open can harm the nutrient content of the spinach, the other method is to keep it in the crisper drawer. This method requires you to use the paper towels and place in them the dried spinach.

The next step is to put the spinach in the crisper of the fridge. You are very well aware that moisture can harm your vegetables, so, it is important to keep the leaves dry and then store them in the crisper drawer.

Use containers

You can line the insides of the containers with paper towels. First, you need to use plastic containers and then cover the inside of the container with paper towels. You must do this before you put in the spinach.

Next, you need to put in the spinach, and once done, you have to place the container in the fridge. This method allows you to keep the spinach fresh more two weeks. Amazing, isn’t it?

Do not place the spinach beside apples and bananas because these fruits produce ethylene, which can harm the leafy green vegetables like spinach. As a result, you will see the premature spoilage of the spinach.

Use Life Extender Bags

If you want to keep the spinach in the fridge, using life extender bags is ideal. These bags protect the spinach from cramping. For instance, if you want to store other vegetables and items with the spinach in the same bag, the best chance is to store all these items in a reusable bag.

Also, if you want to keep them separate, again, you can use life extender bags made of plastic. Make sure you can biodegradable plastic bags. Not only will it keep them separated but also extend the life of the spinach for up to 2 weeks. Personally, we use life extender bags to store spinach in the fridge. Even after a week or two, you will see that the leaves are fresher.

Freeze Spinach

A lot of people ask us “can I freeze spinach?” Well, the answer is “Yes.” Freezing extends the shelf life for many food items including vegetables. Freezing the spinach is a method that allows you to consume it for up to 14 months. So, if you have bought in bulk for a longer period, the best option to keep the spinach fresh is freezing it.

But how to do this? Well, first, you need to blanch the leaves of the spinach in hot water for about 2 minutes. Next, you need to cool them in a container. Make sure the container has ice water. Drain the excess water, take out the spinach, dry it, and then keep it in the airtight plastic container or freezer bags.

How do you keep spinach from getting slimy?

How long can spinach last in the fridge?

Spinach Expiration Date
(Unopened) Refrigerator
Fresh Spinach lasts for 5-7 Days
(Opened) Refrigerator
Past Printed Date
Fresh Spinach lasts for 3-5 Days
•
Apr 21, 2015

Can you keep spinach in water?

Take the blanched spinach out of the boiling pot of water and dunk them in ice water to stop the cooking process, then squeeze out the excess water, place the spinach in a plastic bag, and, after removing all the air, put it in the fridge.

Does fresh spinach need to be refrigerated?

SPINACH – FRESH, RAW, LOOSE

The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions – after purchasing, keep spinach refrigerated at all times. To maximize the shelf life of raw spinach, refrigerate in a plastic bag; do not wash until ready to use.

Does spinach spoil if not refrigerated?

How long can an unopened bag of prewashed spinach be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; an unopened bag of prewashed spinach should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

Should I wash spinach before storing?

I personally don’t wash my spinach until right before I use it so that I don’t introduce any extra moisture to the leaves. However, if you must wash the spinach before storing it, make sure you put it away extra dry. The two towels will absorb the most of the moisture and the air will do the rest of the work.

How do you store spinach for a long time?

Does cooking spinach eliminate bacteria?

A: Because thoroughly cooking the spinach kills any harmful bacteria, properly cooked creamed spinach should not pose a risk. But the reality is that even a slight risk is too much for most restaurants.

How do you store spinach without plastic?

How to Store Leafy Greens Without Plastic
  1. Option one: Wrap loosely in a tea towel or bento cloth and tie a loose knot to close.
  2. Option two: Place your washed and dried greens in a loosely sealed reusable food storage bag.
  3. Option three: Freeze your greens!

Should you keep vegetables plastic bags fridge?

Store These Fruits and Vegetables in Their Original Packaging in the Fridge. If you buy your carrots in a plastic bag without the greens, leave them in the packaging until ready to use. If the carrots came with their green tops, remove the tops before storing.

Should veggies be refrigerated in plastic bags?

Most vegetables, like carrots, potatoes, broccoli, cabbage and celery should be stored in a plastic bag or container in the crisper of your fridge. Vegetables should be stored in a different part of the fridge than fruit. This will prevent them from ripening too fast.

How do you make leafy greens last longer?

The best way to protect and prolong the life of your greens is by storing them in a large container lined with damp—not dry, but not sopping—paper towels. “If you wrap the leaves in a totally dry paper towel, the moisture from the leaves will be absorbed more quickly, and the leaves dry out,” says Ayoob.

Why do greens go bad so quickly?

The two things that make greens spoil quickly are moisture and air. They work w/ bacteria to break down the cell walls and create the “slime” that coats greens after a few days in the fridge.

How do you keep bagged salad fresh longer?

Rip a fresh paper towel from the roll, slide it into the bag of greens, and seal with a chip clip. The paper towel will absorb moisture that would otherwise lead your leaves to rot. This will help the greens stay fresh, and it will give you more time to use up the bag. Replace the towel every day for best results.

Why does my bagged salad go bad so fast?

The thin plastic bag that houses most salad greens offers little protection from rolling peppers and heavy fruits also occupying the crisper drawer. Prevent bumps and bruises, which will make the greens turn soggy faster, by moving them from the bag to an airtight plastic storage container.

What is the best container to keep salad fresh?

If you don’t have a salad spinner or don’t have enough room in your refrigerator for keeping one in it, just grab a plastic storage container large enough to fit the salad greens. Line it with paper towels, wash and dry the greens, dump them inside, seal the lid, and throw it in the refrigerator.

Should you wash bagged salad?

Health experts actually advise against washing bagged salad

While there is some level of risk, the U.S. Food and medicine Administration says greens which are labelled “triple-washed” or “ready-to-eat” can be eaten without being washed after they are taken out of the bag.