Hi all,

I love baby spinach -- it's great for salads, and has plenty of fiber for low-carbing. Problem is, it's a bit pricy to buy in small packages at the supermarket. So for the last couple months I've been buying it in bulk from our local Costco. I can get a HUGE bag of it for about 6 bucks -- can't beat that!

Problem is, how to keep it fresh?

The first time I bought it I just kept it in the bag it came in. It was a huge zip lock bag, but had "spaces" at either end of the zip lock, presumably to let it breathe. However, I had to toss the last 1/4 bag as it just turned to mush, not to mention stank something fierce! I assumed that the "breathing gaps" were letting moisture in.

Next time I purchased a large bag, I divided the contents up into several portions, and put those into separate 1 liter zip lock bags. I sucked as much air out the bag as possible before sealing them. The bags were tightly sealed (no breathing gaps), and then I put all the zip lock bags into the original large bag, and zipped it.

I didn't have a problem with the first bags, but started noticing condensation building up in the bags over about two weeks. I've now discovered that the last couple bags have essentially turned to mush! In other words, I'm still going to lose about 1/4 of the bag, maybe more this time! Grrrrr!

While it's still cheaper to buy the bulk bag, and lose 1/4 of it, than buy a bunch of expensive small bags at the supermarket, I hate to see this stuff go to waste (mushy spinach is just gross in a salad!).

Does anyone have any hints as to what I can do to keep this stuff fresh!

Many thanks!

I saw a technique on the food network on rachel ray used that I have tried and it does work well. Place a sheet of paper towel in the bag with the spinach. This will soak up any extra moisture and it does not make the green taste any differently! (works with all leafy greens, esp. herbs to keep them fresh.

Hmmm... sounds like a simple, but logical approach. I'll give it a try! Thanks.