How Long Does Spinach Last?

Most people enjoy fresh vegetables, but how long can vegetables stay fresh? Have you ever wondered what is the shelf life of a certain vegetable and how you can notice that it is spoiled?

In this article we will talk about spinach. People like spinach because of its wonderful taste and easy way of preparation. But, how long does spinach last? How it should be stored properly and how can you tell if your spinach has gone bad?

In this article you will get the answers to these and similar questions. Read along and find out more about spinach and its proper storage.

More about Spinach

Spinach is an edible flowering plant that is native to central and western Asia, but today it is used in cuisines all over the world. Spinach is an annual plant and a leafy vegetable. It can be eaten raw in salads but you can also cook spinach alone or use it as an ingredient in many dishes.

Spinach is high in vitamins A and K and minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron. It is also high in fiber and it can improve digestion. Spinach has many health benefits for people and it should be a part of a human diet. Also, it is low in calories and it can help in weight loss.

What Is The Shelf Life of Spinach?

The shelf life of spinach depends mostly on storage conditions and on the preparation method.

Also, it depends on the best by date or the date when spinach was purchased. Like all other fresh vegetables, spinach usually doesn’t have an expiration date, but it has a best by date. It means that you can use spinach even beyond the best by date. It may lose some of the quality, but it will still be safe to use.

Sometimes spinach doesn’t have a best by date, so you should be based on the date when you have purchased it.

How You Should Store Spinach Properly?

It is known that all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. Immediately after purchasing spinach, you should store it in the fridge. Also, after each use, you should return it to the fridge. It is important to keep spinach away from moisture because it will cause your spinach to spoil more quickly. You should wash the spinach after purchasing because it may carry bacteria like E coli. Also, you should rinse it once more just before using it.

Also, it is very important to store spinach in airtight containers in the fridge. This way you will protect your spinach from moisture and other contaminants. For example you can use a vegetable bag that is sealed tightly. It is necessary to store spinach refrigerated when the package is opened, because anti-oxidative gases which preserve packaged spinach can escape from the original packaging. Thus, you will extend the shelf life of your spinach and you will keep it away from moisture. There is also a way to dry your spinach using a salad spinner.

How To Tell if Spinach Has Gone Bad?

It won’t be hard to tell if spinach has gone bad. You can use your own senses. If spinach is bad, it will probably change in texture and in color. When spinach has gone bad, it can have a darkened color and a moist texture.

Also, it will probably have a strong smell, so you should throw it away. It is also possible that your spinach turns black over time and it usually becomes completely wet. If you notice these changes, you should discard your spinach. Remember that spoiled foods are not good for your health and they can cause many health problems.

Summary

To maximize the shelf life of spinach you should provide proper conditions. It means that you should rinse the spinach first in order to remove bacteria and different contaminants.

Also, it is important to store spinach in an airtight container in the fridge. You should keep it away from moisture if you want to extend its shelf life. If you notice any signs of spoilage on your spinach, you should throw it away.

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