Spinach is loved by many because of its nutritional benefits. However, the problem is when spinach is cooked and stored the wrong way it loses all its flavours and it could actually make you sick. That is why it is very important to learn how to store cooked spinach. In this article there are a few methods that you can use to store your leftover cooked spinach. Carefully follow them for the best results.
Contents
Store cooked spinach in the fridge
NB: this method stores cooked spinach for 3 to 5 days. Therefore, you need to use this method if you are certain that you will consume it within a short space of time.
Step 1
In order to store leftover cooked spinach in the fridge you have to let it cool down at room temperature. This is because if you store it in the fridge while hot, the temperature of the fridge will rise. Thus, making it a conducive environment for bacteria to grow in.
Step 2
Once the cooked spinach has cooled down you have to place it inside air tight containers. You can also use freezer bags if you have them.
Step 3
The last step is to store cooked spinach in the fridge. It will last for approximately 3 to 5 days if you carefully follow the steps above.
Store cooked spinach in the freezer
NB: this method stores leftover cooked spinach for up to 6 months.
Step 1
In order to store leftover cooked spinach in the freezer, start by letting it cool down. This is because if you store it in the freezer while hot, the temperature of the freezer will also rise. This will then affect the shelf life of other foods in your freezer.
Step 2
When you are certain that the cooked spinach has cooled down you have to divide it into meal sized portions. This will help you in the long run since you will basically thaw the spinach you want to use at that time instead of thawing the whole batch. Place the cooked spinach in freezer bags or air tight containers.
Step 3
Before sealing the freezer bags take out as much air as possible. This will help to prevent premature spoilage. Take a marker and use it to label the freezer bags. Indicate the day in which you are storing leftover cooked spinach in the freezer. This will help you to remember when it is likely to turn bad.
Tips for storing cooked spinach in the fridge or freezer
- When storing cooked spinach make sure that you store it within 2 hours after preparation. This is because if you keep it at room temperature for a long period of time it might start to turn bad.
- Store leftover cooked spinach in a freezer that is at 0 degrees. This will help to ensure that the spinach lasts for a longer period of time.
- When storing cooked spinach in the fridge make sure the temperature is below 40F. This is mainly because bacteria usually grows on foods that are stored between 40F and 140F.
How to thaw cooked spinach
It is a common practise to thaw foods that are stored in the freezer. This is because they will be easier to reheat. However, when it comes to cooked spinach it is not mandatory to thaw it. You can simply take it out of the freezer and cook it. However, if you do wish to thaw cooked spinach you can always transfer it from the freezer to the fridge. It will thaw quite well.
How to reheat cooked spinach
Reheat cooked spinach using the microwave
NB: this is the fastest and easiest method for reheating cooked spinach.
When reheating leftover cooked spinach in the microwave you have to start by placing the cooked spinach in a microwave safe dish. Make sure that the dish has a lid. If not, then you can opt to use a microwave safe splatter guard to cover the bowl. Place the cooked spinach in the microwave and let it reheat for 30 seconds. Remove it from the microwave and give it a gentle stir before placing it back for another 30 seconds. Once you start noticing a bit of steam on your cooked spinach, remove it and serve. This is because if you reheat cooked spinach for a long time it tends to lose most of its flavour.
Reheat cooked spinach using a stove
NB: this method requires you to baby sit the cooked spinach. This is because if it is left unattended it might start to burn.
In order to reheat cooked spinach on the stove you need to place the cooked spinach in a pan. Place the pan on a stove that is turned on between medium and low heat. This will help to ensure that the cooked spinach does not over heat. Reheat the cooked spinach for a few minutes on the stove stirring frequently. This will help to ensure that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Once the cooked spinach has reheated serve it immediately.
How to tell when cooked spinach has turned bad
When cooked spinach has turned bad the smell changes. It usually gains an unpleasant smell. When you realise this you have to get rid of it. The other sign is the appearance of the cooked spinach. It starts looking discoloured and you can also notice a few moulds on the spinach. If this happens then you need to throw it away as soon as possible. Eating cooked spinach that has turned bad can lead to sickness. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to consume cooked spinach that is spoiled.
Conclusion
Cooked spinach can be stored in either the fridge or the freezer. However, the freezer proves to be the best method since it extends the shelf life of cooked spinach for up to 6 months. So if you are someone who always has a busy schedule you can always cook spinach in excess then save the leftovers for another day.
