All About Spinach
Your complete guide to spinach - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Spinach Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for spinach in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Raw in fridge (opened or loose)3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Wilting, yellowing leaves, dark or brown spots, slimy texture, strong unpleasant odor, mold growth.
How to Check
Visually inspect for bright green color. Check for any yellowing, dark spots, or fuzzy mold. Touch test for sliminess or excessive softness. Smell for a mild, earthy scent; a sour, fishy, or strong 'swampy' smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, wrap loose or opened spinach in a paper towel and store in an airtight container or a plastic bag with a small opening for air circulation. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, preventing sliminess.
Cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Dull or darker green color, sour or off-odor, slimy texture, visible mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black spots).
How to Check
Visually check for any mold or unusual discoloration. Smell for any sour, cheesy, or otherwise unpleasant odors. Touch test for an overly slimy or watery consistency.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked spinach quickly (within 2 hours) before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth. Store in an airtight container to seal in freshness and prevent odors from spreading or absorbing.
Raw in fridge (unopened original packaging)5-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Wilting, yellowing leaves, dark or brown spots, slimy texture, strong unpleasant odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for bright green color. Fresh spinach should be crisp or slightly pliable. Touch test for sliminess or excessive softness. Smell for a mild, earthy scent; a sour, fishy, or strong 'swampy' smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Keep spinach in its original packaging as it's often designed to maintain freshness. Avoid washing until just before use, as excess moisture can accelerate spoilage.
Frozen (blanched)8-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), significant loss of vibrant green color, off-flavor after cooking. While still safe, quality deteriorates.
How to Check
Visually inspect for large patches of freezer burn. If the color is significantly faded or it develops a 'freezer' taste after cooking, its quality has diminished. It will still be safe to eat if kept consistently frozen.
Storage Tips
Blanching spinach before freezing helps preserve its color, flavor, and nutrients. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible after blanching and before freezing to prevent ice crystals and maintain texture. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.