Why does spinach get slimy in the first place?
And can you salvage the leaves that aren’t?
Read on to learn all this, plus more.
Photo: Getty Images / Kseniya Ovchinnikova
Spinachis one of thehealthiest greens it’s possible for you to eat.
What causes spinach to go bad?
The main enemy of any leafy vegetable is moisture.
That slimy feel is literally decomposing plant matter.
How long does spinach last?
Properly packaged, undamaged spinach stored in your crisper drawer can last about a week.
Does spinach from a container or bag last longer?
Hard-shell plastic packaging protects the leaves from such damage and so they’ll last longer.
Which lasts longer, baby or mature spinach?
When stored properly in your fridge, both baby and mature spinach will last about a week.
But mature spinach may have a slight edge over baby spinach simply because the leaves are hardier.
Baby leaves are more tender and fragile.
Is it OK to eat wilted or slimy spinach?
It is not OK to eat slimy spinach.
Any slimy spinach should be thrown away, along with any spinach it has come in contact with.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautions toprepare fresh leafy greens safelyand not to eat damaged greens.
(Here’s a guide on how to do it.)
Is it OK to cook wilted spinach?
you’ve got the option to absolutelycook wilted spinach.
It’s past its prime for eating raw, but will not negatively impact a cooked dish.
Discard any spinach that is slimy or has touched slimy spinach.
Wilted or withered spinach can be revived in a cold-water bath.
