How to Select, Store and Use Fresh Spinach

Here’s how to selet, store and use spinach so you get the most from your fresh spinach. Spinach is one of the most frequently tossed items in our fridge, along with other produce. It’s too good to toss! I want to help by sharing these tips with you.

freshly washed spinach in bowl on wood counter — Spinach is a beautiful, nutrient rich, mild flavored dark leafy green.

What to Look For When Buying Spinach

You can buy spinach in a fresh bunch, bagged or in clam shells. Whichever works best for you and leads you to eat more spinach and waste less is best! When I shope for spinach, here’s what I look for:

The fresher the better. Research has shown that fresh spinach starts losing its nutritional benefits within 7 days of harvest. So buy in amounts that you can use quickly or plan to freeze.
The cooler the better. Fresh spinach will last longer and lose the least amount of nutrients when kept as cool as possible without actually freezing.
Drier is better. Moisture leads to faster deterioration. Choose bags or containers with the least amount of condensation that you can see. Watch This
Best Before Date: Spinach is safe to eat after the best before date, but the closer it is to the best before date the shorter it will last in your fridge and the more nutrients it will have lost.
Perky: Bright, perky leaves are a good sign. If they’re on the verge of shrivelling or are wet or yellow – leave them.
Price: Price is definitely a consideration – but remember, it’s not a bargain if you end up tossing it. So while bunched spinach is more affordable, if you’re not going to use it if it means extra work, choose a different option.

three types of fresh spinach with prices

Best Way to Store Spinach

Keep spinach in the original bag or plastic container.
For extra protection, especially if there’s any moisture in the container, line container or bag with a paper or cotton towel.
Wash your spinach just before using – not before storing. Read here about whether or not to wash, prewashed spinach.
Store loose or bunched spinach in a plastic bag after ensuring there is no moisture on the leaves (pat dry if moisture is present). If the spinach has been sprayed with water at the grocery store, wash it and pat as dry as possible then wrap in paper towel and use within 3 days.
Store in the high humidity crisper drawer
Eat your spinach within 3 to 5 days.

If you have extra spinach after that, use it in hot dishes like manicotti, fritatta or biscuits. If you still have extras, freeze it for use in smoothies, soups and stews.

Video Series: Spinach & Dark Leafy Greens

Using Canned or Frozen Spinach

While we may love fresh spinach, did you know that fresh spinach is not necessarily the best option?! Spinach starts to lose its nutritional potency within days of being harvested, so canned or frozen spinach, which are processed immediately after harvest, often retain more nutrients and vitamins than fresh spinach that’s been travelling the country or sitting on shelves. This doesn’t mean you should stop eating fresh spinach, it’s just a reminder that frozen or canned spinach are good options too!

creamy chicken mushroom on plate — Creamy Chicken Pasta – great way to use spinach

Spinach Ideas to Try

Don’t let that fresh spinach in your crisper go to waste! Toss a handful or two of washed spinach into whatever you’re making. Because it’s so mild, it won’t alter the flavour – you’ll just get great colour and those nutritional benefits. But remember, add it towards the very end of whatever you’re cooking to keep its bright color. It will only take a minute or two for it to cook with whatever you’re making.

Add spinach to:

soup – chop and add in the last two minutes before serving
chili – chop and add in the last two minutes before serving
spaghetti sauce – chop and add in the last two minutes before serving
pizza – sautee with garlic and add to pizza before baking
sandwiches – add fresh
wraps – add fresh
salads – add fresh to any type of salad – egg salad, chicken salad, house salad, caesar salad
pasta dishes – chop and add in the last two minutes before serving
stir fries – chop and add in the last two minutes before serving
casseroles – chop and toss in with other veggies
egg dishes – chop and toss in with other veggies
smoothies – blend together with other ingredients – use blueberries if the green colour is a concern

Spinach Recipes To Enjoy

strawberry spinach salad on plate — A spring time favorite! Strawberry Spinach Salad

Select, store and serve seasonal food for everyday cooking with Getty. Getty is a food educator and Professional Home Economist,who loves sharing tips and recipes following the seasons from her Canadian kitchen. Sign up to get seasonal tips and recipes delivered to your inbox. Learn more about Getty or check out her books and pdf guides.

How to Select, Store and Use Spinach