Drying spinach the right way
Removing surface water makes spinach cook better and keeps dressings from diluting. Combine gentle spin, blotting, and air circulation for the best results.
Steps to dry effectively:
- Use a salad spinner: place leaves in the spinner basket, rinse, then spin in short bursts until most water is gone.
- For individual leaves or delicate batches, spread on a clean kitchen towel and pat gently.
- Finish by arranging leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet or towel to air-dry a few minutes if needed.
Tips:
- Don’t crowd leaves in the spinner; spin in batches if necessary.
- For cooked preparations, very dry leaves sauté more evenly and won’t steam into sogginess.
- For salads, thoroughly dry to help dressing cling.
Proper drying saves cooking time and improves texture whether you’re making a salad, sauté, or incorporating spinach into a dish.