Can You Freeze Spinach?

Can you freeze spinach? You definitely can, and the result serves fabulous flavor when you start with freshly picked leaves. You won’t be able to serve the thawed product in fresh salads, but frozen spinach is versatile in the kitchen.

What is the best way to freeze fresh spinach?

Freezing whole spinach leaves is a total breeze! Just pick out any icky leaves, place the fresh spinach leaves in a Ziploc freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and place it in the freezer. It doesn’t get much easier! You can also puree and freeze your spinach.

Can you freeze fresh bagged spinach?

Roll the bags up, pressing out as much air as possible and seal. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thawing: Add to a soup or stew frozen — there’s no need to thaw — though the leaves may add some extra liquid.

Is it better to freeze spinach raw or cooked?

If you plan on freezing spinach until it comes time to use it, it will need to be cooked, or at least blanched, to help stop the enzyme activity which could cause it to go bad. Wash the spinach under cool running water to help rinse away dirt and debris.

Can you freeze spinach without blanching it first?

If you plan to use the frozen spinach within a few weeks, there is no need to blanch it first. But unblanched spinach left in the freezer for too long will turn brown because of enzyme actions which will change the texture, flavor, and coloring.

Does frozen spinach taste as good as fresh?

We prefer frozen spinach over canned-it’s got better flavor and is lower in sodium-but the same principle applies. One cup of frozen spinach has more than four times the amount of nutrients, such as fiber, folate, iron and calcium, than a cup of fresh spinach, so if you want to power up, do it with frozen spinach.

What can I do with too much fresh spinach?

8 Ways to Use Up a Ton of Fresh Spinach

1. Pesto.
2. Spinach Cheese Bake.
3. Spanakopita.
4. Spinach paneer.
5. Lasagna.
6. Curried lentils with spinach.
7. Calzones.
8. Dip.

Does freezing spinach lose nutrients?

In general, the nutrients and other protective compounds in spinach are similar whether you use fresh or frozen.

How long does spinach last in the freezer?

nine to 14 months
Place sealed bags in the freezer. Vacuum sealing systems work really well with spinach leaves. Use frozen spinach within nine to 14 months for best quality. Add frozen spinach to soup or stock, casseroles, and stir fries.

How long does spinach last in the fridge?

Refrigerated spinach leaves will stay good for up to a week or even 10 days, according to Allrecipes. The fridge will even work well to keep both fresh and cooked spinach good, so long as you plan to use either within several days of storing it.

How do you keep bagged spinach fresh longer?

If loose, wrap the spinach in dry paper towels or clean dish towels, place it in a sealed freezer bag or plastic container, and put it in the crisper drawer. If the spinach came in a package of its own, you can simply put a towel or cloth in the container, seal it, and put it in the crisper.

How do you thaw frozen spinach?

The best way to defrost frozen spinach is to warm it in the microwave for a few minutes or warm it over low heat on the stove in pot and strain excess water with a mesh sieve or colander. Depending on your grocery store’s freezer section, you can typically find frozen spinach either chopped or as whole leaf.

How do I use frozen spinach?

Here are 10 ways we love turning a bag of frozen spinach into a satisfying meal.

1. Blend it into smoothies.
2. Add it to a pot of soup.
3. Fold it into a frittata, quiche, or egg casserole.
4. Add it to a stir-fry.
5. Make savory pancakes.
6. Toss it into pasta.
7. Add it to a grain bowl.
8. Blitz it into a pesto.

How long do you blanch spinach for freezing?

Place the leaves into a pot of boiling water for 1 minute only. Use 2 quarts of water for every pound or so of spinach. Remove leaves from boiling water and transfer to a bowl of ice water. Drain and squeeze any remaining water out with your hands.

How do you freeze chopped spinach?

Once the wilting begins, stir the leaves to ensure they are all cooked down. Transfer the drained spinach to a cutting board and give it a coarse chop. Place the chopped spinach in an airtight container and pop it into the freezer. Voila!

Is frozen spinach cooked?

Since frozen spinach is blanched (that is, boiled briefly in very hot water and then submerged in cold water to stop the cooking and retain the color) before it’s packaged, it’s like a shortcut.

What is healthier kale or spinach?

The Bottom Line. Kale and spinach are highly nutritious and and associated with several benefits. While kale offers more than twice the amount of vitamin C as spinach, spinach provides more folate and vitamins A and K. Both are linked to improved heart health, increased weight loss, and protection against disease.

What is the healthiest way to eat spinach?

Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that we all know to be really healthy, due to the presence of high levels of antioxidants in it. However, the best way to eat spinach is not after blanching or boiling it, but rather adding it to your smoothies or juicing it, says a new study.

What are the healthiest frozen vegetables?

The 9 Best Vegetables to Keep in the Freezer, According to a Dozen Nutritionists

1. Edamame. “I always have frozen shelled edamame on hand because it’s an easy way to add a complete protein to quick weeknight meals.
2. Spinach.
3. Asparagus.
4. Butternut Squash.
5. Kale.
6. Zucchini Noodles.
7. Broccoli.
8. Artichokes.

Why does my spinach smell like ammonia?

In the case of spinach, the ammonia is produced as a consequence of protein catabolism: the accumulation of ammonia is responsible of leaf dark deterioration. The effects of MAP conditions on the quality maintenance of fresh-cut spinach have been widely evaluated.

Why is my bagged spinach wet?

What you see: Spinach that looks “wet.” What it is: Cell membranes breaking down, releasing water; generally, the leaves’ cells are collapsing. Eat or toss: This spinach is still perfectly edible, though clearly no longer ideal for a salad; toss it into a stir fry or omelette.