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How long does spinach last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Refrigerator
1 week
Original container or paper-towel-lined airtight
Freezer
1 year
Blanch 30 sec or freeze cooked
The short answer
Spinach lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Tender leafy green. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if spinach is bad
- Wilted slimy leaves
- Yellow leaves
- Sour smell
Storage tips
- Paper towel absorbs moisture
- Wilted but firm: still cookable
- Frozen spinach = same nutrition
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Frequently asked questions
How long does spinach last in the refrigerator?
Spinach lasts 1 week in the refrigerator. Original container or paper-towel-lined airtight
How long does spinach last in the freezer?
Spinach lasts 1 year in the freezer. Blanch 30 sec or freeze cooked
How can you tell if spinach is bad?
Watch for: Wilted slimy leaves; Yellow leaves; Sour smell.