Can You Freeze Spinach?
Quick Answer : Can You Freeze Spinach?
Yes. You can freeze spinach, similar to how you freeze green and leafy vegetables. Generally, the leafy veggies contain water. So, there are chances of condensation during the freezing process that can make the leaves slimy and unacceptable for use in salads. Nevertheless, frozen spinach remains ideal for other recipes, like soups, salads, stews, vegetables, etc. Freezing spinach requires additional preparations, which help retain the vegetable’s nutritional value. So, let us know how to freeze spinach the correct way.
How Do You Freeze Spinach?
You can freeze in multiple ways, depending on personal convenience. However, the blanching method is the best for retaining nutrients and color.
Freezing Spinach After Blanching
Blanching green vegetables is the best way to retain their nutritional value. Spinach is no different. However, we advise cleaning the vegetables thoroughly before freezing them.
- Wash the spinach leaves using the triple rinsing method, where you dunk the leaves in three separate bowls containing clean water. The idea is to eradicate dirt from the leaves. It also helps reduce the muddy odor generally observed in spinach and other similar leafy veggies.
- Once clean, remove the stems and chop the leaves into similar sizes for convenient consumption. You can remove the discolored leaves and consume them immediately. In short, choose the greenest leaves for freezing.
- Boil water and blanch the spinach leaves for two minutes. You might notice the water turning greenish. It indicates that the spinach leaves are leaching out nutrients. This water is nutritious and can be used for boiling rice or cooking grains like quinoa.
- Alternatively, we suggest steam blanching the spinach leaves. You need a colander to hold the spinach leaves. Place the colander above the boiling water and steam blanch for two minutes. This method ensures to retain the maximum nutrients.
- Transfer the partially boiled spinach leaves to a bowl containing ice water for two minutes. Remove the spinach and dry the leaves in a salad spinner. Alternatively, use paper towels to dry the leaves. Water droplets on the leaves can cause condensation during freezing and make the leaves soggy.
- Stuff the spinach leaves in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. We suggest apportioning the leaves into appropriately-sized ziplock bags, depending on personal consumption needs. Suck the air out from the bags before sealing them airtight. Vacuum-sealing is also a viable option.
- Note the freezing date on the bags before placing them inside the freezer for the spinach to freeze well.
Freezing Spinach Without Blanching
Blanching ensures nutrient retention. However, you can dispense with the blanching process if you wish to store the spinach in the freezer for less than six months.
- Wash the spinach leaves as described above.
- Dry the leaves using a paper towel.
- Pack the leaves into appropriately-sized freezer-safe ziplock bags.
- Suck out the excess air from the ziplock bags before sealing them tight. Exposure to air can cause freezer burn, affecting the spinach’s texture and flavor.
- Stick the freezing date label and keep the bags inside the freezer, allowing the spinach leaves to freeze.
The unblanched spinach acquires a slimy texture after thawing because the ice crystals melt and condense into water droplets. Though this spinach is not ideal for salads, you can use them in cooked dishes.
Freezing Spinach In A Puree
Freezing the spinach in puree form is an alternate method of freezing spinach.
- Wash the leaves well.
- Blend the spinach leaves with water in a blender to prepare a frothy puree.
- Pour the puree into an ice cube tray and place it inside the freezer to freeze for three to four hours.
- The spinach puree solidifies well.
- Once solidified, remove the spinach cubes, and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for regular freezing. Remove excess air, seal the bags, note the freezing date, and set the spinach puree to freeze inside the freezer.
How Long Can You Keep The Spinach Frozen?
Blanched spinach remains frozen for nine to fourteen months in the freezer. On the other hand, the unblanched spinach lasts for six months.
How To Defrost The Frozen Spinach?
Generally, you can use the spinach leaves directly from the freezer in the recipes. The heat generated during the cooking activity is sufficient to defrost them. Besides, thawing the spinach causes the ice crystals to melt and make the leaves slimy.
Nevertheless, you can defrost the spinach inside the refrigerator if you wish to do so. Transfer the frozen spinach leaves from the freezer to the fridge overnight. The change in the temperature levels between the freezer and the refrigerator should thaw the leaves and make them fit for consumption the following morning.
Can You Refreeze Spinach?
No. We do not advise refreezing spinach because repeated freezing can change its texture. Instead, we recommend freezing the spinach in small batches ideal for consumption.
Can You Freeze Spinach For Smoothies?
The ideal method of freezing spinach for smoothies is to blend the leaves into a puree before freezing. Then, the frozen spinach cubes can be tossed directly into the smoothies when blending them. So, you can freeze spinach for smoothies.
Can You Freeze Spinach Dip?
It is possible to freeze spinach dip in the freezer and maintain it for three months. Please ensure against exposure to air and moisture.
Can You Freeze Spinach Artichoke Dip?
Spinach artichoke dip freezes well. You can spread the mixture in a pan, cover it and freeze it for three months.
Can You Freeze Spinach And Kale?
Yes. You can freeze spinach and kale as described in this article.
Can You Freeze Spinach Pie?
Yes. It is possible to assemble the Greek-style spinach pie and freeze it for three months.
Can You Freeze Spinach Dip With Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese freezes better than sour cream or mayo. Hence, you can freeze spinach dip with cream cheese.
Can You Freeze Spinach In A Bag?
Yes. You can freeze spinach in freezer-safe bags after removing excess air from them.
Can You Freeze Spinach After Cooking?
Generally, you cook the spinach partially before freezing them. However, it is possible to freeze spinach recipes where it is thoroughly cooked.
Final Thoughts
Spinach and other green leafy vegetables are nutritious and can be used in various recipes. Usually, they are integral to every kitchen. So, there can be concerns about preserving them for later consumption. Fortunately, you can freeze spinach and maintain its freshness for nine to fourteen months. We have discussed the detailed procedure for freezing spinach in different ways.
