How to Freeze Spinach

How to Freeze Spinach

Quickest Method

1. Remove any leaves that are wilted and discard them.
2. Make sure the leaves are dry by either using a salad spinner or patting them dry.
3. Place the leaves in a freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible.
4. Date the bag and put it into the freezer.

Blanching

Blanching before freezing will help preserve the color and last longer in the freezer. You can keep it up to a year whereas the quick method will last around 6 months. You will lose some of the nutrients by blanching first as opposed to the quick method.

1. Remove any leaves that are wilted and discard them.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
3. Fill a large bowl with iced water.
4. Place the leaves in the boiling water.
5. Stir and cook at a boil for two minutes.
6. Transfer the leaves to the iced water. Keep the leaves under water for two minutes to stop the spinach from cooking any further.
7. Dry the spinach in a salad spinner or blot until dry.
8. Put the leaves into a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
9. Date the bag and put it into the freezer.

Puree

If you want to use the spinach later in dishes that have liquid in them such as sauces, smoothies, soups, or stews this is a great technique.

1. Remove any leaves that are wilted and discard them.
2. Put the leaves in a blender and add water until it reaches your desired thickness.
3. Pour the puree into ice cube trays and freeze.
4. After the cubes are frozen you can place them in freezer bags for storage.

How to Use Frozen Spinach

You can use thawed spinach in smoothies, soup, stews, stir-fry, stock, quiche, and other cooked dishes. You can also use the spinach to make a dip. After thawing blot the leaves dry with paper towels or wring them out in a tea towel to remove the moisture. Then use it in your favorite dip recipe.