How to Harvest and Store Spinach

The "Nutrition Action Healthletter" places spinach in the number-two slot on its list of most nutritious vegetables. Turns out Popeye was onto something after all.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden Knives
• Garden Trowels
• Gardening Gloves
• Plastic Storage Bags
• Scissors
• Scissors

1. Harvest spring spinach by cutting the entire plant before it bolts - goes to seed prematurely - in the summer heat.

2. Cut outside leaves of fall spinach as soon as they're large enough to use; the inner leaves will keep growing.

3. Pick spinach in the morning for best flavor and texture.

4. Avoid washing spinach that will be stored for more than a day or two since it will begin to wilt.

5. Seal spinach leaves in plastic bags and store them in the your refrigerator's crisper. Using this method, the spinach should keep for three to four days.

Tips & Warnings

• Spinach can be planted for both spring and fall harvests.
• Spinach tends to collect sand and grit, so rinse it thoroughly in a bowl of cool water and dry it in a salad spinner before using.