Because no one likes slimy greens.
Why Does Spinach Go Bad?
Have you ever purchased a package of spinach only to discover the leaves have turned slimy within days?
Photo: Casey Barber
Why does spinach seem to quickly go from yum to yuck?
The answer: Moisture.
First, the leaves should be crisp and dark green without any signs of yellowing on the edges.
Casey Barber
Another indicator of bad spinach is if the leaves are slimy or wilted.
Spinach should also have a sweet smell.
If the leaves smell sour or musty, it’s best to throw them out.
Casey Barber
How to Store Spinach
Step 1.
Pat spinach leaves dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
If you’ve bought pre-packaged spinach, simply dump it onto a paper-towel-lined cutting board.
Casey Barber
Spinach leaves are delicate, so gently patting the leaves with paper towels will suffice.
Step 2.
Line a container with a dry paper towel.
Adding a paper towel to the container helps absorb extra moisture, which prolongs the life of the spinach.
Spinach is often sold in plastic bags or containers, which can be used for storage.
Just be sure to dry the bag or container before proceeding with Step 3.
Step 3.
Add spinach leaves, cover and refrigerate.
How Long Does Spinach Last?
When stored this way, spinach can last between three and seven days.
If you must wash spinach beforehand, be sure it is thoroughly dried before storing.
For more ideas, learnhow to cook fresh and frozen spinach.
