Question 1

Does spinach shrink when cooked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spinach has a high water content and when cooked, it will significantly reduce in size as the water is released. Always start with more raw spinach than you intend to have cooked.

Question 2

What's the best way to wash spinach?

Accepted Answer

To wash spinach, fill a bowl with water and swirl the leaves around to loosen any grit or dirt. You can then drain the water and repeat this process if necessary.

Question 3

Which is healthier: raw or cooked spinach?

Accepted Answer

Both raw and cooked spinach have health benefits. Raw spinach provides Vitamin C which can be lost with heat. However, other nutrients such as iron and calcium, become more available when spinach is cooked.

Question 4

Do I need to remove spinach stems before cooking?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not necessary. Spinach stems are completely edible, and many people enjoy their slight crunch. If the stems are too thick or fibrous you may prefer to remove them, but it is entirely a matter of preference.

Question 5

Why does spinach turn bitter when cooked?

Accepted Answer

Spinach can turn bitter during cooking if it's overcooked or cooked on high heat. To avoid bitterness, use a moderate heat and try not to cook spinach for too long.

Question 6

Can spinach be eaten after being frozen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, spinach can be frozen and eaten later. However, the texture of the spinach will change after freezing, becoming more mushy and less crisp, making it better suited for cooked dishes.

Question 7

Can you substitute fresh spinach for frozen spinach?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that fresh spinach will wilt down significantly when cooked. Generally, one pound of fresh spinach will yield about a cup of cooked spinach.

Question 8

Why does spinach cause teeth to feel weird?

Accepted Answer

Spinach contains oxalic acid, which can react with calcium in your saliva to form crystals that make your teeth feel gritty or 'squeaky'. This is completely harmless and is nothing to worry about.

Question 9

Can you cook spinach in a microwave?

Accepted Answer

Yes, spinach can be cooked in a microwave. Simply place the spinach in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water, cover it, and nuke for about 2-3 minutes.

Question 10

Should you add salt before cooking spinach?

Accepted Answer

That depends on personal preference. Adding salt before cooking can draw out moisture and cause the spinach to wilt faster. If you want to keep some of the firm texture, add salt towards the end of your cooking time.

Question 11

When does spinach expire?

Accepted Answer

Unopened spinach, kept refrigerated, tends to last for about 10 - 14 days. If there's a printed date on the package, it's usually a sell-by date and not an expiration date, so you can safely consume the spinach a few days after this date if it has been properly stored. However, once the spinach package is opened, it’s best to consume it within seven days. Frozen spinach can last up to 8-10 months in the freezer but remember to never refreeze spinach once it's been defrosted.

Question 12

How do you tell if spinach is bad?

Accepted Answer

Spoiled spinach is often quite noticeable. If it develops a funny smell, has a slimy texture or the color darkens significantly, it’s gone bad. Also, if its leaves start getting yellow or brown spots, it's time to toss it.

Question 13

Tips for storing spinach to extend shelf life

Accepted Answer

• Always keep spinach refrigerated. This helps slow down the oxidation process and extends its shelf life.

• Don't wash the spinach before storing it. Moisture speeds up the wilting and rotting process. So, wash it right before you're about to use it.

• To store spinach for long, you can freeze it. First, blanch it in boiling water for two minutes, cool it under cold water, drain it well, pack in airtight bags or containers and then freeze.

• When keeping spinach in the fridge, if possible store it in a perforated bag to allow it to breathe and avoid moisture accumulation.

• When defrosting frozen spinach, put it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Question 14

Analysis of spinach

Accepted Answer

Cooking with spinach can be quite straightforward, yet does possess a couple of challenges. A major conundrum people often face is the significant volume reduction when cooked. Raw spinach may seem like a lot but once cooked, it wilts down to a much smaller amount. Hence, many folks underestimate the right amount needed for a recipe. It's often advised to start with a generous quantity when planning to cook it.

Getting the most out of your spinach means taking full advantage of its nutritional profile. Cooked spinach provides more vitamins and minerals than its raw counterpart, due to the body's ability to better absorb these nutrients from cooked foods. However, there is a risk of overcooking. To avoid this, blanch or steam spinach only for a couple of minutes to retain its nutritional content and vibrant color.

Many people usually only use the spinach leaves and discard the stems. However, the stems are completely edible and add a nice crunch to the dish. Next time you're cooking with spinach, don't throw away those stems. Consider using them too, they are just as nutritious!

For a hidden trick: to freshen wilted spinach, soak it in ice water for about 10-20 minutes.

Spinach

THE APP

RECIPES

PRODUCTS

THE COMPANY

PRIVACY

|

terms