Freezing Spinach for Recipes

ajlarz

Does anyone freeze fresh spinach? I bought a giant bag of it but I know I won't use it all before it goes bad. I use spinach a lot in pasta sauces, eggs, things like that so freezing it should be okay, just not sure if I should blanch it first, then freeze? Or just put it directly into the freezer? Thanks!

michellyn

I love this site for canning and freezing instructions: http://www.pickyourown.org/freezing_greens.htm Spinach should be blanched before freezing. I got a great bargain on organic spinach awhile ago (1 lb. tubs for $.25 each!) and blanched and steamed it all when I got home. It does tend to freeze into solid lumps unless you freeze it in clumps. If you know what portion sizes you tend to use, I'd probably measure that amount in clumps and freeze on parchment or something on a tray. Then, once it freezes, I'd put several of those into each bag.

ajlarz

Thank you! I remember long ago I tried to freeze spinach and it froze into a giant ice ball. I'm thinking there was too much water on it or something so I will follow your directions. Thanks!

mallorybriann

Must be tired... read this as SNEEZING spinach...
:embarassed:
Good to know!

KayteeBear

I just throw mine into the freezer...I only use my spinach for smoothies...usually so when the bags are on sale I just buy and throw straight into freezer.

epona_mus

Blanching it first is good if you plan on using it in dishes (other than something like smoothies or spinach pesto) because it preserves some of the texture. My experience with freezing it raw = slimy mess when thawed.