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Dehydrated Spinach Powder - A Simple, Nutritious Pantry Staple

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 16 servings

Ingredients

  • Fresh spinach: Baby spinach or mature leaves both work. Aim for 1–2 pounds to yield a few ounces of powder.
  • Dehydrator or oven: A dehydrator gives the best control, but a low-heat oven works too.
  • Baking sheets or dehydrator trays: Line with parchment if using an oven.
  • Salad spinner or clean towels: For drying washed leaves thoroughly.
  • Blender, spice grinder, or food processor: To grind the dried leaves into powder.
  • Fine-mesh sieve (optional): For a super smooth, even powder.
  • Airtight containers: Small glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags to store the powder.
  • Labels and date stickers: To track freshness and batch dates.

Instructions

  • Wash and sort the spinach. Rinse thoroughly to remove grit. Discard any slimy or yellowed leaves. Clean leaves make cleaner-tasting powder.
  • Dry the leaves well. Spin them dry or pat with towels. Excess moisture slows drying and can dull the color. Aim for leaves that are dry to the touch.
  • Prep your trays. Arrange spinach in a single layer on dehydrator trays or parchment-lined baking sheets. Avoid overlapping; it traps moisture and lengthens drying time.
  • Dehydrate at low heat. Dehydrator: 115–125°F (46–52°C) for 3–5 hours.
  • Oven: Set to the lowest temp (ideally 170–200°F / 75–95°C). Prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to help moisture escape. Expect 2–4 hours.
  • Cool completely. Let the dried spinach cool for 10–15 minutes. Warm leaves can trap condensation in storage and soften.
  • Grind to powder. Pulse in a spice grinder, blender, or food processor until fine. Work in small batches for even texture and to avoid overheating the powder.
  • Sift (optional). For a silky, uniform powder, pass it through a fine-mesh sieve. Regrind any coarse bits.
  • Jar it up. Transfer to clean, airtight containers. Press out excess air and seal. Label with the date and batch size.
  • Store properly. Keep in a cool, dark place away from heat and light to protect the color and nutrients.