How to tell if spinach is bad?

Key signs of spoilage to watch for

Look and smell first. Fresh spinach should be bright to deep green and have a neutral, leafy scent. Discard any leaves that are slimy, mushy, or emit a sour, off odor.

Common spoilage indicators:

• Slimy or sticky texture
• Dark brown or black spots and overall discoloration
• Wilted, limp leaves that don’t perk up after rinsing
• Mold growth (white or fuzzy patches)

If only a few leaves are bad, remove them and use the remaining greens immediately. Cooked spinach that has developed an off smell or sliminess should be discarded.

When in doubt, throw it out. Consuming spoiled leafy greens can cause stomach upset. To reduce waste, plan to use fragile greens earlier in the week and store properly to extend life.