← Use it up
What to do with spinach before it goes bad
Short answer: Fresh spinach keeps 3–7 days in the fridge; bagged spinach 3–5 days, or about 2 days after opening (USDA FoodKeeper). Use it fast by sautéing it, blending it into a smoothie, or folding it into eggs.
7 ways to use it up
- Sauté with garlic. A whole bag cooks down to a side dish in 3 minutes.
- Smoothies. A handful disappears into fruit smoothies.
- Frittata or scrambled eggs. Wilt it in the pan before the eggs go in.
- Soup. Stir into soup at the end until it wilts.
- Pasta. Toss into hot pasta with olive oil and parmesan.
- Spinach pesto. Blend with nuts, garlic, cheese and olive oil.
- Cook, then freeze. Wilted spinach freezes well in portions for soups and sauces.
How long it keeps
| Food | Fridge (40°F / 4°C) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh leaf spinach | 3–7 days | Not recommended raw |
| Bagged spinach, unopened | 3–5 days | — |
| Bagged spinach, opened | 2 days | — |
Common questions
How long does spinach last in the fridge?
3–7 days for fresh leaf spinach, 3–5 days for an unopened bag and about 2 days once the bag is open (USDA FoodKeeper).
Can you freeze fresh spinach?
FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing raw leafy greens; cook or wilt it first and freeze the cooked spinach.
Related
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper data. Recipe ideas are general suggestions. General information, not medical advice.