Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is popular in many diets. It is also versatile and easy to prepare. If you have a large crop of spinach coming in or find a great deal at the store, you may want to freeze some of it so you can enjoy it later. Freezing spinach is easy to do and can help you save money and time.
To get started, you will need a large bowl, a strainer, a pot of boiling water, and a pot of iced water. Start by washing the spinach in the bowl. Use cold water and rinse the spinach several times until all the dirt is gone. Once it is clean, place the spinach in the strainer and drain.
When the spinach is finished draining, place it in the boiling water for about 2 minutes. This will help to kill any bacteria and make it easier to freeze. Once the two minutes is up, remove the spinach from the boiling water and place it in the iced water. This will help to stop the cooking process and keep the spinach from becoming soggy.
When the spinach is finished in the iced water, strain it again and then place it on a few paper towels or a kitchen towel. Pat it dry with another paper towel or kitchen towel and then spread it out on a baking sheet. Make sure that the spinach pieces are not touching, as this will cause them to freeze together. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Once the spinach is frozen, you can remove it from the baking sheet and place it in a freezer bag or container. When you are ready to use the spinach, take it out of the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. The spinach can also be thawed in a bowl of cool water, but it will not be as fresh as if it was thawed in the refrigerator.
To cook frozen spinach, you can place it in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes or until it is tender. Once it is cooked, you can add it to your favorite recipes or just season and serve it as a side dish. Frozen spinach can also be used in soups and stews.
Freezing spinach is a great way to save money and have a quick and easy side dish on hand whenever you need it. The process is simple and the spinach will stay fresh for several months. Plus, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of spinach all year round.
Tips for Freezing Spinach
When freezing spinach, make sure to use a clean bowl and strainer. The boiling water should be at a rolling boil and the iced water should be cold. Place the spinach on several paper towels or a kitchen towel and pat it dry before freezing it. Finally, make sure that the spinach pieces are not touching on the baking sheet before freezing.
When storing frozen spinach, use a freezer bag or container that is airtight. This will help to keep the spinach fresh for longer. You can also separate the spinach into smaller portions so you can thaw only what you need at a time.
Benefits of Freezing Spinach
Freezing spinach is a great way to save money and time. You can buy spinach in bulk and freeze it, so you always have a nutritious side dish on hand. It is also a great way to get the most out of your spinach. When frozen, spinach will stay fresh for several months so you can enjoy it all year round.
Freezing spinach is also a great way to get the most nutritional benefits out of the vegetable. When frozen, spinach retains most of its nutrients, so you can enjoy all of the health benefits without having to worry about it going bad quickly.
Conclusion
Freezing spinach is a great way to save money and enjoy a delicious and nutritious side dish all year round. It is easy to do and will keep the spinach fresh for several months. With just a few simple steps, you can freeze spinach and enjoy it whenever you’d like.