Fresh is Best? Not Always When It Comes to Spinach

While many people believe that fresh vegetables are always the best option, when it comes to spinach, frozen may actually be a better choice. Research from Penn State University in 2005 found that the nutrients in spinach degrade quickly, especially when it has been transported over long distances before reaching the grocery store. Frozen spinach, on the other hand, is often flash-frozen shortly after harvesting, which helps to preserve more of its nutrients. In fact, a cup of frozen spinach can have over four times the amount of nutrients compared to a cup of fresh spinach.

In addition to being more nutrient-dense, frozen spinach also offers other benefits, such as reducing food waste and cost. Frozen spinach can be stored in the freezer for up to a year, while fresh spinach only lasts about 10 days in the fridge. Cooking with frozen spinach is easy and convenient, as it can be added to a variety of dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles. Overall, choosing frozen spinach over fresh can provide a longer-lasting and more nutritious option for your meals.