A Health-Promoting Powerhouse

Spinach is a health-promoting powerhouse among fresh leafy greens. It ranks second behind kale in total health-promoting carotenoids and folate and third in total antioxidants behind garlic and kale. 

But, spinach and other leafy greens lose their nutritional value the longer they stay refrigerated. A recent study led by Penn State University associate professor of food science Luke LaBorde, PhD, found that fresh spinach stored at refrigerator temperature of 39 degrees lost over half of its folate and half of its carotenoids after eight days. Nutrients were lost at a faster rate as the temperature increased. 

To get the most nutrients out of fresh spinach, keep it refrigerated and use as soon as possible after you purchase it. 

If spinach cannot be eaten soon after picking, a better option is to use frozen or canned spinach according to LaBorde.  Canned and frozen spinach retain more vital nutrients than fresh spinach stored several days in the refrigerator.

Source: Journal of Food Science, December 2004.