Can You Freeze Spinach?
Yes, spinach freezes well for 10-12 months. You can freeze it raw or blanched. Raw frozen spinach works for smoothies; blanched spinach is better for cooking. After thawing, spinach is soft and works best in cooked dishes, smoothies, and sauces - not fresh salads.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh spinach can be frozen raw by simply washing, drying thoroughly, and packing into freezer bags with air removed.
- Baby spinach freezes just as well as mature spinach.
- Frozen spinach may need extra squeezing compared to store-bought because of higher water content.
Explanation
Fresh spinach can be frozen raw by simply washing, drying thoroughly, and packing into freezer bags with air removed. This method is quick and the spinach works perfectly in smoothies, adding nutrition and color without affecting taste much.
For cooking applications, blanching is recommended: boil spinach for 1-2 minutes, plunge into ice water, squeeze out excess moisture, then freeze in portions. Blanching preserves color, texture, and nutrients better for longer storage.
Frozen spinach reduces dramatically in volume - one pound of fresh spinach equals about one cup frozen. It works excellently in pasta dishes, soups, quiches, dips, and Indian dishes like palak paneer. Thaw and squeeze out water before using in most recipes.
Things to Know
- Baby spinach freezes just as well as mature spinach.
- Frozen spinach may need extra squeezing compared to store-bought because of higher water content.
- Other leafy greens like kale, chard, and collards freeze using the same methods.