As warmer weather rolls in across Australia, spinach flourishes in local fields, delivering its vibrant green leaves and earthy, slightly sweet flavour to kitchens nationwide. Whether wilted into warm dishes, blended into smoothies, or enjoyed fresh in salads, spinach is one of the most versatile and nutrient-rich greens of the season.
Understanding how to choose, store and even freeze spinach will help you enjoy its freshness and flavour long after harvest.
Choosing the Best Spinach
When selecting spinach, look for leaves that are crisp, deep green and free from yellowing or wilting. Fresh spinach should feel firm to the touch, with stems that snap rather than bend. Smaller leaves tend to have a milder flavour and tender texture, perfect for salads, while larger leaves are ideal for cooking.
Avoid bunches with slimy or soggy leaves, as these are signs of age or poor storage.
Storing for Freshness
Spinach is highly perishable, so proper storage is key. Remove any damaged leaves, then wrap the bunch loosely in a paper towel and place it in a perforated plastic bag or container in the fridge. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the leaves crisp.
Fresh spinach will keep for up to five days. Wash just before using, not before storing, to prevent early spoilage.
Freezing for Year-round Goodness
Spinach freezes beautifully, making it easy to add a boost of greens to meals any time of year. To freeze, wash and blanch the leaves in boiling water for one minute, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture.
Pack the blanched spinach into airtight containers or freezer bags in portion sizes. Frozen spinach can be used directly in soups, stews, omelettes and smoothies - no need to thaw first.
Health Benefits Worth Noting
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, celebrated for its impressive range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s an excellent source of iron, calcium and magnesium and provides generous amounts of vitamin K, vitamin A and folate - supporting bone health, red blood cell production and energy metabolism.
Its high content of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin contributes to eye health, while its dietary fibre aids digestion. Regularly enjoying spinach can promote healthy skin, strengthen immunity and support overall vitality.
Here are three recipes to put fresh and in season spinach on the table this week:
Spinach and sesame create a beautiful balance of flavour and texture. The tender, earthy greens soak up the nutty richness of sesame oil or seeds, enhancing their natural sweetness. Together, they offer a savoury depth and subtle crunch that elevate simple dishes into something aromatic, wholesome and deeply satisfying.
Bursting with mouth-watering flavours, this pork belly yakitori recipe comes together with just five ingredients and in only 30 minutes.
This spinach, leek and sausage bake is comfort food at its best - hearty, golden and full of flavour. Sweet, tender leeks mingle with savoury sausage and vibrant spinach beneath a bubbling cheese topping. Each bite delivers creamy richness and rustic warmth, perfect for cosy dinners or satisfying family meals.
This pumpkin, spinach and brie frittata is a celebration of colour and comfort. Sweet roasted pumpkin pairs perfectly with creamy, melted brie and tender spinach, creating a rich yet balanced dish. Light, fluffy eggs bring everything together for a satisfying meal that’s equally delicious warm or served at room temperature.
