Choosing fresh, flavorful spinach
Look for vibrant color, crisp texture, and minimal blemishes. Whether buying baby spinach or mature leaves, freshness is evident in appearance and smell.
Selection tips:
- Choose leaves that are bright green without yellowing or slimy spots.
- Avoid wilted, limp, or heavily torn leaves.
- Smell lightly; fresh spinach has a mild, green scent, not sour or musty.
- For bags, check the bottom for moisture buildup which signals earlier washing or spoilage.
Farmer’s market picks:
- Ask when it was harvested; the fresher, the better.
- Consider buying loose bunches if you plan to use a lot, as they can stay fresher than pre-bagged leaves.
- If available, taste a leaf to check flavor and tenderness.
Choosing wisely ensures better texture and longer storage life at home.