Blending Frozen Spinach: A Quick Way To Boost Your Dish

Frozen spinach is a convenient and cost-effective way to add nutrition to your meals. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from smoothies to casseroles, and is a great way to ensure you always have a supply of spinach on hand. However, blending frozen spinach can be tricky, and it's important to prepare it correctly to get the best results. In this article, we will explore the dos and don'ts of blending frozen spinach, including the best ways to defrost, cook, and store it to retain its nutritional value and flavour. We will also provide tips on how to incorporate blended frozen spinach into your favourite recipes for a healthy and delicious boost.

Blending frozen spinach is a good way to add nutrients to your cooking

Frozen spinach is a convenient and cost-effective way to add these nutrients to your meals. It has a long shelf life and can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, such as casseroles, savory pies, sauces, and dips. Frozen spinach is also a great option for those who want to reduce their prep time in the kitchen. It comes pre-washed and chopped, saving you the effort of cleaning and cutting fresh spinach.

To use frozen spinach in your cooking, simply defrost it by following the package instructions. You can cook it on the stovetop or in the microwave, and then add it to your recipes. If you're adding it to soups or stews, you can even throw it in while it's still frozen. However, keep in mind that frozen spinach has a higher water content, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipes accordingly.

Another way to use frozen spinach is to blend it into smoothies. Blending spinach helps release more lutein, a carotenoid that aids in better vision. You can blend frozen spinach with other ingredients, such as coconut water or fruit, to create nutritious and tasty smoothies.

By blending frozen spinach and adding it to your cooking, you can easily boost the nutritional content of your meals without compromising on taste or convenience. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and healthy addition to your recipes, consider reaching for that bag of frozen spinach!

Frozen spinach is a versatile, budget-friendly staple

Benefits of Frozen Spinach

Frozen spinach is picked and chilled at its peak, ensuring optimal freshness and nutrition. It is a long-lasting, affordable, and versatile option that can be used in a wide range of recipes. Frozen spinach is also pre-cooked, making it quicker to prepare and easier to digest than raw spinach.

Types of Frozen Spinach

When shopping for frozen spinach, you may find it sold as a block or in bags, either chopped or as whole leaves. Bagged spinach allows you to take out a small amount at a time, which is not as convenient with blocks. However, both options are interchangeable in terms of the end result. You can also choose between plain spinach or those with added salt or sauce. It is recommended to opt for plain spinach to have the most versatility and avoid added sodium or fat.

Thawing and Cooking Frozen Spinach

Before using frozen spinach, you will typically need to defrost it. Follow the package instructions, but generally, you can cook it covered with a bit of water in the microwave or on the stovetop for less than 10 minutes. Defrosting spinach releases water, which you can remove by squeezing it in a dish towel or pressing it in a fine-mesh strainer. You can use the greenish water in smoothies, soups, or stews, or even for watering plants.

While it is best to thaw frozen spinach, you can add it directly to soups or stews without defrosting. However, keep in mind that it may take longer to cook and release more water, diluting your dish. Frozen spinach is generally not considered ready-to-eat, so be sure to cook it to the recommended temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.

Substituting Frozen Spinach for Fresh

Frozen spinach has a different texture and flavour than fresh spinach, so it is not suitable for recipes that call for uncooked or briefly cooked spinach. However, it can be used as a substitute in recipes where the spinach is wilted or cooked for a longer period. Frozen spinach is also perfect for adding to casseroles, savoury pies, sauces, pasta dishes, dips, and more.

Freezing Your Own Spinach

If you want to freeze your own fresh spinach, start by rinsing it thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. You can then blanch the spinach by boiling it for about 2-3 minutes and shocking it in an ice bath, or you can sauté it in a pan with oil and seasonings. Once cooled, store the spinach in airtight containers and label with the date. It will last in the freezer for about three months.

Using Frozen Spinach in Smoothies

Frozen spinach is an excellent addition to green smoothies, providing a boost of nutrients and a beautiful green colour. You can blend spinach with a liquid base such as coconut water or regular water and pour the mixture into ice cube trays to create convenient smoothie cubes. These cubes can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months and added to your smoothies as needed.

Frozen spinach can be used in a variety of dishes, including smoothies

Frozen spinach is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including smoothies. It is a convenient and budget-friendly option that packs nutrition into your meals. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating frozen spinach into your cooking:

Thawing and Preparing Frozen Spinach:

Before using frozen spinach, you may need to thaw it. You can defrost it in the microwave or on the stovetop, following the package instructions. Thawing spinach releases water, so it is important to squeeze out the excess liquid using a dish towel, fine-mesh strainer, or a potato ricer. You can use the green water in smoothies, soups, or stews, or even for watering plants. While it is generally recommended to thaw frozen spinach, you can also add it directly to soups or stews without thawing, but keep in mind that it may take longer to cook and may dilute the dish.

Using Frozen Spinach in Dishes:

Frozen spinach can be added to a range of recipes, enhancing both the flavour and nutritional profile of your meals. Here are some specific ideas for incorporating frozen spinach:

• Smoothies: Frozen spinach is an excellent addition to green smoothies. Simply blend it with your favourite fruits, juices, or natural sweeteners to mask any bitter taste. You can also make spinach cubes by blending spinach with a liquid like coconut water or water and freezing them in ice cube trays. These cubes can then be added to your smoothies for a quick nutritional boost.
• Dips: Frozen spinach is a great ingredient for dips, such as spinach artichoke dip, warm crab and spinach dip, or spanakopita dip.
• Pasta Dishes: Incorporate frozen spinach into your pasta sauces, such as a creamy spinach sauce for gnocchi or penne with vodka sauce and spinach. You can also add it to stuffed pasta dishes like ravioli.
• Casseroles and Savory Pies: Frozen spinach can be seamlessly added to casseroles and savory pies, including lasagna, cottage pie, and strata.
• Soups and Stews: Frozen spinach is a convenient addition to soups and stews. You can add it directly to the pot, but be mindful that it may release water and affect the consistency of your dish.
• Fritters and Batters: Defrosted frozen spinach can be squeezed of excess water and added to fritter batters or mixed into a pot of creamy beans.
• Other Dishes: Frozen spinach can also be used in quiche, egg rolls, meatballs, marinara sauce, and more.

Tips for Buying and Storing Frozen Spinach:

When buying frozen spinach, opt for plain spinach without added salt or sauces for the most versatility. You can find it sold as a brick or in a bag, either chopped or as whole leaves. Bagged spinach allows you to easily use small portions at a time. Frozen spinach will last in the freezer for about 9 to 14 months, so it is a great staple to keep on hand.

It is important to remove thick stems and chop the leaves before blending

When preparing spinach for blending, it is important to remove thick stems and chop the leaves. Even with a powerful blender, the stems can be too fibrous and stringy, which will make blending and consumption difficult.

Chopping the spinach leaves into chunks first is also important to help the blender gain momentum. Studies suggest that chopping spinach releases more lutein, a carotenoid that aids in better vision.

Before blending, it is also important to thoroughly rinse the spinach leaves with water to remove any dirt, weeds, browned or damaged leaves, or bugs. Spinach often has dirt hiding in its leaves, so several rinses are recommended, even if the spinach has been purchased from a store.

If you are blending spinach for a smoothie, it is highly advisable to use raw spinach so that it retains most of its nutrients, especially the carotenoids. Spinach is highly nutritious, containing vitamin A, iron, calcium, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

Frozen spinach can be blended and frozen into ice cubes for future use

Frozen spinach is a convenient and cost-effective way to add nutrition to your meals. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, such as casseroles, savory pies, sauces, smoothies, and dips.

One innovative way to utilise frozen spinach is by blending and freezing it into ice cubes. This method is especially useful for those who enjoy adding spinach to their smoothies but want to reduce the preparation time. By blending the spinach and freezing it in ice cube trays, you can easily pop a cube or two into your blender when making a smoothie, eliminating the need to prepare fresh spinach each time.

To make spinach ice cubes, start by rinsing the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. You can then blend the spinach leaves with a small amount of liquid, such as coconut water or regular water, to create a smooth puree. Pour the spinach mixture into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a thick freezer bag for easier storage and longer freshness.

These spinach ice cubes are a convenient way to add a boost of nutrition to your smoothies. You can use one or two cubes per smoothie and adjust the amount to your taste preferences. They are also perfect for sneaking extra vegetables into sauces, stews, or soups.

Frequently asked questions