Content
- Freeze spinach - as always blanched or even raw?
- Clean spinach leaves
- Freeze raw or blanched?
- Freeze spinach leaves raw
- Blanch spinach
- Tips
- Freeze cooked spinach
- durability
- Thaw and warm up
- Conclusion for fast readers:
Cube-shaped spinach is convenient for thawing
Freeze spinach - as always blanched or even raw?
Spinach is a delicate and delicate vegetable that is prepared in minutes. Fresh leaves are abundant in the season - for the pan and the freezer! The green leaves wait in the local cold without prejudice to their cooking use.
Clean spinach leaves
In a large spinach heap, certain leaves are hidden, which are no longer perfect. That's why the spinach has to be read by hand.
Above all, the spinach must be washed thoroughly, preferably several times. Only then can the sand, which often hides in it, be completely rinsed out.
Freeze raw or blanched?
For a long time the experts agreed that spinach can only be frozen blanched. But meanwhile, there are also different voices, which rely on the latest scientific knowledge. There are three ways to freeze the green leaves:
Freeze spinach leaves raw
Especially very young and tender leaves are predestined to be frosted by this method. They should, however, be freshly picked and dry well after washing before getting into freezer bags. Keep in mind, however, that the green color will not last as well as after blanching.
Blanch spinach
- Heat water in a large pot of water. Add spinach leaves as soon as the water bubbles. After about two minutes, remove the leaves with a ladle and place in ice water. Drain the cooled leaves in a sieve. You can also puree or finely chop the spinach before freezing. Put the spinach in freezers or bags and seal them airtight. Freeze the spinach immediately, but first label the containers.
Tips
Blanch large amounts of spinach only in portions, otherwise the boiling water is cooled down and the cooking process is interrupted.
Freeze cooked spinach
Even leftover spinach leaves can easily be frozen if a few points are taken into consideration:
durability
Frozen spinach leaves are stable for a whole year. Finished foods with spinach should be consumed within three months.
Thaw and warm up
Thaw frozen spinach gently in the refrigerator at low temperatures, so heat loving germs have no chance to spoil it. Prepare thawed spinach as fast as possible.
Pureed spinach can be added directly from the freezer to a saucepan and boiled with a little water. A few spices or cream make it a tasty side dish.