How to wash spinach so it’s actually clean

The simple steps to clean spinach properly before using.

Spinach is one of those veggies you can sneak into just about any dish—giving it a boost in flavor, color, and nutrients. Whether you blend it into a smoothie, use it as the base of a fresh salad, or wilt it into a hearty sauté, it’s a versatile green you can enjoy year-round.

But because it’s a leafy green often eaten raw, it’s also important to give it a proper rinse before you use it. Spinach can harbor dirt, grit, insects, bacteria (like E. coli), and pesticide reside—all of which you’d definitely want to remove before preparing your chosen dish. A good wash not only keeps your food safe, but also ensures fresher flavor, a better texture, and cleaner overall eating experience.

Do You Need To Wash Spinach?

While washing spinach is important, the type of spinach you’re using may or may not require it:

• Loose or fresh spinach: Loose or fresh spinach should always be washed to remove contamination and grit.
• Pre-washed (“washed”, “ready-to-eat”, or “triple-washed”) varieties: These are generally safe to eat without rewashing. In fact, rinsing again can increase the risk of cross-contamination from your sink, hands, or utensils.

Step-By-Step Washing Techniques

Before you begin, start with clean hands, a sanitized sink or bowl, and clean utensils to avoid introducing new bacteria. From there, use one of these two methods:

Rinsing Method

This method is best for moderately dirty spinach.

1. Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water. Avoid warm or hot water, which can wilt the leaves.
2. Submerge the spinach and gently swish it around to loosen dirt and debris.
3. Give any soil time to settle before lifting the leaves out.
4. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold running water to flush away remaining particles.

Soaking Method

If the leaves are especially dirty, soak in cold water, gently agitating them to loosen dirt and grit. Soak for a few minutes, then remove and rinse following the method above. If you need to soak them again, use fresh water to avoid introducing the same dirt into the leaves.

Vinegar Soak

If you suspect bacteria or pesticide residue, use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts cold water to soak your spinach before rinsing.

Drying Techniques

Drying your spinach leaves is just as important as washing them—especially if you plan to use them in a salad or other dishes that could become watered down. Here are a few options when it comes to drying spinach before using:

• Salad spinner: Using a salad spinner is quick and effective at removing water from the leaves, while remaining gentle.
• Towel method: Lay leaves onto a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently pat dry.
• Avoid air-drying: Letting excess moisture sit on the surface of the leaves can cause them to become limp and encourage bacterial growth.

Preparing For Storage

Washing spinach in advance can shorten its shelf life, so it’s best to wash right before using to reduce any excess moisture that can linger on the leaves. If you did wash a bunch of spinach and have some excess left over, wrap in clean paper towels, and place into an airtight container or zip-top bag. Refrigerate for up to three days, replacing the paper towels occasionally to reduce moisture.

For longer storage, you can also blanch and freeze spinach. Quickly cook in boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then plunge into ice water. Wrap with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth and squeeze dry, then flash freeze on a lined baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to a year.

Additional Tips When Washing Spinach

For the best results when working with fresh spinach, keep these pro tips from our Test Kitchen in mind:

• Handle gently: Spinach leaves are delicate and can bruise or tear easily.
• Try a vinegar rinse: For extra disinfection; use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water to soak the spinach leaves before using.
• Don’t skip washing organic spinach: Even organically-grown spinach can house dirt, insects, or bacteria.
• Work in batches: If you have a lot of spinach to wash, work in batches to make sure your rinsing or soaking is done effectively.

Read the original article on Southern Living